zul alpha 3 Posted May 22, 2010 Dear Eurobrick forum I am fairly new to the lego train world. I have a rail track with several swith tracks (incl double crossover). I am now looking for possible solution to manage / control them remotly through 9v motors. I've seen some solutions on the net however they were all very 'large' (six to eight studs long/wide). -> http://www.freelug.org/article.php3?id_article=186 are there any lighter versions / ideas / suggestion around? thanks for any comments Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FelixTheCat Posted May 26, 2010 9V micromotor would probably be the best one if you're looking for a discreet solution. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hoeij Posted May 26, 2010 9V micromotor would probably be the best one if you're looking for a discreet solution. This would require some track modification, otherwise it takes too much force to move the lever. I do think track modification is the best way to go though. You can find it on the web how to do it. If you have two remote controlled switches near one another, you could save on wiring by powering them with batteries and using the IR remote controlled power functions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chromeknight Posted May 26, 2010 Dear Eurobrick forumI am fairly new to the lego train world. I have a rail track with several switch tracks (incl double crossover). I am now looking for possible solution to manage / control them remotely through 9v motors. I've seen some solutions on the net however they were all very 'large' (six to eight studs long/wide). -> http://www.freelug.org/article.php3?id_article=186 are there any lighter versions / ideas / suggestion around? thanks for any comments This is still a 'large' solution, as it requires a 4x6 stud space off the end of the switch arm but http://www.flickr.com/photos/whoward69/373...57621512518259/ does have the advantage that it uses current parts, esp the new pf M motor. This is probably as elegant a lego solution as you'll find, smaller solutions will require modification of the points or use of non lego elements. Hope this helps. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zul alpha 3 Posted June 1, 2010 This is still a 'large' solution, as it requires a 4x6 stud space off the end of the switch arm buthttp://www.flickr.com/photos/whoward69/373...57621512518259/ does have the advantage that it uses current parts, esp the new pf M motor. This is probably as elegant a lego solution as you'll find, smaller solutions will require modification of the points or use of non lego elements. Hope this helps. thank you very much for this hint - works perfectly. also tried with modification which goes better for the older V9 motors ... thanks again ... any other hints / suggestions around ... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chromeknight Posted June 1, 2010 thank you very much for this hint - works perfectly. also tried with modification which goes better for the older V9 motors ... Don't just say it worked, take pictures and show them! especially of any modifications that improve things, That way everyone can share the work you've done. What size set up are you working on, what's your rolling stock like? It's great we were able to help, but say it with pictures, they say a 1000 words! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WilliamH Posted June 2, 2010 Don't just say it worked, take pictures and show them! Thanks for the reference. Pictures of the motors in-situ on my 1/6th of the GWLTC layout at STEAM last year William Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brickthus Posted June 2, 2010 Dear Eurobrick forumI am fairly new to the lego train world. I have a rail track with several swith tracks (incl double crossover). I am now looking for possible solution to manage / control them remotly through 9v motors. I've seen some solutions on the net however they were all very 'large' (six to eight studs long/wide). -> http://www.freelug.org/article.php3?id_article=186 are there any lighter versions / ideas / suggestion around? thanks for any comments Have you considered pneumatics? Mechanisms Scenic Modules and connections Mark Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skaako Posted June 7, 2010 (edited) Hi there, If you don't mind a non lego solution you could try something like i have made and use to motorize my points. Theres a few more pictures in that folder of the motor etc. Advantages: One of the smallest footprints you will find for a points motor. Motors can be acquired free from most old CDROM drives. Can be disguised easily as a track-side cabinet. Disadvantages: Not 100% Lego components. You do have to modify the point to reduce friction as these motors have little torque. I cannot take credit for using this type of motor as i had got the idea from someone else. I managed to find the original article at http://www.freelug.org/article.php3?id_article=507 by Xavier Viallefont. I pulse the motor for about a tenth of a second at 12 volts and it works just fine, and can run on as low as 5 volts if required. Mike Edited June 8, 2010 by skaako Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spy1101001 Posted September 8, 2014 skaako, I really like your design of motorised switch point! Can you give more details as to how you fit the motor inside that lego box? It looks like the motor is inside a 4x2 brick? Did you cavitate it to get it in there? Is motor just glued straight to lever with a 1mm hole?? Thanks! sPy spy1101001@hotmail.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lazarus Posted September 8, 2014 spy1101001 I have sent you the plans on how to make one, If anyone else would like them please send me your email. These are plans to make the switch motor with a small RC motor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladich Posted December 29, 2014 If you don't mind to use NXT or EV3, you might want to take a look at this very simple design (doesn't require any modifications to the tracks) http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=44821&st=75#entry2089082. I guess something like that could be used with PF or 9v motors as well, if they have enough torque. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites