QUOTE (Robert Stokes @ 5 Oct 2008, 11:41) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Sorry for coming to this thread rather late. I haven't read every word of every reply so I hope I'm not repeating something.
There is a very cheap and simple method, if your points are not too far from the baseboard edge, which I used on a previous layout. You fashion a bit of strong wire (I used old bicycle spokes) into a long L shape. The short part comes up through the board into the point tie-bar. You will need to file it down to the correct diameter for the last couple of mm.
The long part runs under the baseboard in guides made from staples or U-shaped tacks. Adjust its length so that it comes through the baseboard edging a short way. you can glue some sort of small knob on the end to push and pull.
This method was effective and cost practically nothing. Its only drawback is that you can't easily operate two points at the same time. Also, you can't easily collect the operating wires together.
I was thinking of something very similar to that idea that I've seen on a Model Railway programme. The layout I saw used thin copper tubing with piano wire running through it to the points; set just below the surface of the board and operated by levers at the edge of the board, which in this case were disguised as crates to hide them.
Hope this is helpful and may be a possible solution depending on the design of your layout.
There is a very cheap and simple method, if your points are not too far from the baseboard edge, which I used on a previous layout. You fashion a bit of strong wire (I used old bicycle spokes) into a long L shape. The short part comes up through the board into the point tie-bar. You will need to file it down to the correct diameter for the last couple of mm.
The long part runs under the baseboard in guides made from staples or U-shaped tacks. Adjust its length so that it comes through the baseboard edging a short way. you can glue some sort of small knob on the end to push and pull.
This method was effective and cost practically nothing. Its only drawback is that you can't easily operate two points at the same time. Also, you can't easily collect the operating wires together.
I was thinking of something very similar to that idea that I've seen on a Model Railway programme. The layout I saw used thin copper tubing with piano wire running through it to the points; set just below the surface of the board and operated by levers at the edge of the board, which in this case were disguised as crates to hide them.
Hope this is helpful and may be a possible solution depending on the design of your layout.
