Scale Model Animation

Model Railroading is a terrific hobby for me because it excites many of my own interests including railroading (of course), scale modeling, history, electronics, photography, geology, and animation – to name a few. But it is animation—bringing the models to life—that brings it all together for me, and brings the most satisfaction.

Giday Folks

I am in the process of installing a few of the Proto 87 Moles on my layout for my turnout controls. I had full intentions of using a DPDT switch to operate the machines but am now considering using a rotary switch instead. I could use these to better show the direction of the turnout. My problem is in order to do this I have no idea what type of rotary switch to buy or the proper pin arrangement to wire it. Can anyone lead me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance

Allan

Realistic controls in analog DC was the Big Thing 40+ years ago... before DCC.  This started 51 years ago with Linn Westcott's True Action Throttle (TAT) circuits in the February 1962 MR.  Dennis Blunt added modeled brake valves and brake action in the Aug. 1968 MR.  This issue included a great article about prototype air brake operation.  The ultimate expression of realistic operation was Jack Burgess "Quarter-size locomotive cab controls" that included the TAT IV, Blunt brake circuits, and all the bells and whistles... literally.

  My first wireframe tree turned out "OK", but not really having the airiness that I wanted for an Alder.  Plus I made it too wide with the canopy.  It looks more like an Oak to me.  Maybe an Oak with a skinny trunk...

  I was also limited with my color selection of leafy material, but I can probably correct some of that with an airbrush.