How to mount DZ switch machines on Ross switches without extended ties?

I could be wrong, but I think you're going to have to replace those ties with long ones to give you a place to mount the switch machine.

Don Merz

Mine was a process of improvement.

I am assuming you want to put this on a layout not on a carpet and that you will account for the foam or cork under the track.

What I did was get a piece of 1/4 stock about 1/4 to a 1/2 inch bigger than the intended switch motor, painted it black.  Screwed that down tight so it would not move, then mounted the machine or hand throw to that.   Cut the Ross ties straight so it can butte right against.

Improvement 1: Later I found out that if you take a utility knife and make the edges a little lower, like a 1/16 to 1/8 or so then you can ballast right up the the machine.

Improvement 2:  Then I realized you could take out the 1/16 - 1/8 to create the look of ties and make the base plate a little wider the ties can extend past the machine like it did originally and it blends right in. Then ballast in the 1/16 to 1/8 gap.

Improvement 3: I then strained the base plate, then gray / black washed it like all the other ties.

Potential improvement 4:  take a 1/8 stock, slice ross ties and mount those on the 1/8 then screw that to the board.

Another option is to get a piece of 1/4 inch stock and remove the bad ties and replace.  It is very easy as you are only removing 1 tie at a time and the rails will not move.  I have done a number of these as I have pulled up  switch and it has one screw that I did not see. You can use fine needle nose pliers and for the spikes that got lost in the process I use a small piece of wire, bent over.

Ed

just pull some ties off an old piece of Gargraves flex or get some strip wood the same size and add them on to the ones that are already there. super glue or craft glue them down.  

Another way it so send them back to Ross and have them repaired with the extended ties.  I sent a 4-way Y-switch back for repair, the shipping was more than the repair!  I think you'll be surprised at the good support from Ross.

Either replace the ties or mount the switch machine to a block next to the track. The machine doesnt have to be mounted to a tie. As long the machine and the switch cant move relative to each other once its mounted, you're good to go.

I've mounted several on a block of 3/4" plywood glued next to the track, which is on cork roadbed. It works well.

I have tried extending the ties gluing with all sorts of glue but it never comes out right.

There is some play in the way the switch is thrown but not a lot and a mis-aligned machine can cause the switch to bind.

I'd send them back to Ross.

Thanks for all of the quick suggestions.  I'd prefer not sending them back to Ross as there are a fair amount and they are all probably over 20 years old.  I wouldn't feel right asking Ross to repair them.  I'll first try some of the other suggestions.  Maybe the plywood screwed or glued to the layout surface would make a good solid mount. 

The will charge you to repair them, but it will be the best way to properly fix them.

You could ask Ross to send you extended ties and spikes. but not sure how the underside supports would be effectuated.

It’s not difficult to put a tie or a “concrete” base next to the switch to mount a switch machine or ground throw.  These are Gargraves switches, but it works the same way for Ross.

I just saw this, it is for gargraves but you can get the idea.

Hi Edmund,

That looks perfect.  Who knew?  I'll order a couple and try them out.

Thanks,

John