So I scratchbuilt my Eugene yard full of code 40 turnouts, with a design that got rid of that oversized throwbar we have all become accustomed to. Hopefully when I get far enough along, Proto:87 will still have their turnout details for N scale to complete the point bars. Here is a proto image by Thom McAdams of a switchstand / throwbar arrangement on a single extended tie depicting a typical SP common standard:
Another image can be found at:
http://www.proto87.com/product1905.html
Note the throwbar is basically just a rod to the point bars, and is not some huge tie sized plate (that is sandwiched between two adjacent ties), moving the switch points back and forth.
In-progress shot of my SP common standard installation:
Well that is all fine for branch related trackage, but then news comes along that the SP had a whole different way of doing things at their Eugene Yard. Ron C sent some images to me that depict a completely different configuration than when I had started the project... this is an image of an old SP "V" plate switch configuration provided by my friend Mike O:
I've been cleaning up loose ends on layout trackage in preparation for a mass weathering campaign, but now I have to deal with this revelation that recently came to light.
These were designed as a Variable Switch, where the switch crew could drive into the switch opposing the switch points from either side, and push the switch points to either side where the turnout would remain in the last traveled position. Unfortunately this configuration used two ties for the ground throw (instead of switchstand), and now I am stumped on how best to recover from this revelation of data.... Here is a sample of my after-the-fact tie placement, but I dont like it:
One solution is to go back to a switchstand.... but not proto at this yard. :(
Currently mulling over the lack of options...