Your model railroad deserves the best!
We believe our SwitchMaster Premium
Switch Machines are the finest ever devised.
This machine is unsurpassed in
quality, reliability, ease of operation and ease of installation.
MADE IN AMERICA
Our famous SwitchMaster switch machines are
the one and only, original SwitchMasters!
Made right here in North America,
using time proven Hankscraft Series 3440 DC Gearhead motors. Accept no imitations!
HIDDEN BEAUTY
The beauty of this switch machine is hidden in
it simple design.
Inside the simple cylinder are precision gears which deliver strong
torque and quiet operation, all engineered for a long trouble-free life.
Did you hear that?
Neither did we, SwitchMasters are so quite you'll
actually be able to hear your sound equipped locomotives. No loud "snap", "buzzing"
or annoying cranking noise.
Simplicity is the key to this machine whether
mounting it or wiring it. Installation does not require precise adjustments, so
one trip under the layout is all you need.
Constant current to the switch machine offers
a number of important advantages. The switch machine firmly presses the point
rails against the outside rails for positive contact. Operationally, you
eliminate the chance a point rail will open and cause a derailment. Electrically,
it provides a tight contact with the electrically powered outside rail,
eliminating the need for jumpers and contact switches to power the point rail
in most installations. If you do need to power route your frog, it's not a problem,
as an optional micro-switch (our #1101, PR-1) is available. If you are running
large O-scale trains we recommend using the PR-1 to operate a power relay.
The other important advantage is that constant
current to the motor allows you to wire your control panel indicator lights and
block signals from the same current powering your switch machine! No more
separate power sources to power each element, no more auxiliary contact
switches, and no more complicated wiring schemes!
THE PERFECT UPGRADE SWITCH MACHINE
Because this switch machine is so easy to
install, it is the perfect choice when upgrading your layout. The linkage
(included) requires only a 1/16" hole- which can be drilled with your turnout
in place. Or it can be completely hidden away underneath before installation.
DCC FRIENDLY TOO
Of course you can use these machines with
Digital Command Control systems as long as your turnouts are compatible. You can
even use DCC to control the turnouts.
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Simple Installation!
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It really is easy to install a SwitchMaster,
just drill a couple holes, install the linkage, two screws and some simple
wiring. Don't make it more complicated than it is! No fine adjustment is
required.
VERSITILE INSTALLATION OPTIONS
SwitchMaster motors have the strength and length
of throw to turn bell cranks, push-pull rods, cables or just about any contraption
you might come up with. While our standard installation is vertical consider mounting
them horizontally on a simple angle bracket with direct linkage to save space, or
through push rods, cranks or cables if there is no space available.
The crank tube and wire can be extended through any thickness of roadbed (2" foam for instance).
They are extremely versitile.
More information on SPECIAL INSTALLATIONS
POWER TRICKS
SwitchMaster motors actually operate on just 3 volt DC.
A 1200 ohm resistor is included for 12 volt operation. Sometimes it is necessary to
adjust this resistor to fit your particular power supply or use a "Kick Switch" to give it
an extra nudge and prolong its lifespan.
More information on POWER OPTIONS
AUXILLARY CONTACTS
If your turnout requires auxiliary electrical
contacts for frog power or power routing we have a simple solution for that too.
Our PR-1 micro-switch can be conveniently mounted on the motor or benchwork to
provide a SPDT circuit rated at 3 amps, not the fraction of our competitors.
Stack for additional contacts. Or use just one to toggle a power relay switch.
Cost savings MS-1 (#1151) KIT version of the PR-1 is available.
Price and Availability
Ask your local hobby shop for genuine
SwitchMaster switch machines, or order them direct.
JUMP TO PRICE LIST BELOW
WIRING SCHEMATICS
Appropreate wiring schematics and instructions
are included with each SwitchMaster switch machine and accessory. For your
connivance and reference they are also available on-line:
WIRING SCHEMATICS
SCREWED AGAIN?
The mounting holes do take an odd size #5 by 1-1/2"
screw which are often difficult to find locally. Sorry, we did not have any say in this.
That's the way they are. Each SwitchMaster switch machine or kit includes a pair of the
correct size screws. Replacements are also available separetly in our part #1113 RM-2 Mounting Hardware,
and/or part #1113-S RMS-12 for a dozen or RMS-100 for 100.
ALMOST PERFECT
It is commonly reported that SwitchMasters will last
for years, in some cases decades. But like all electro-mechanical devices they have their
limits. If too much power is applied (don't operate them without the resistors!) the inner
gears can break or strip. And it has been reported that they may jam-up if left for long
periods without operation. In that case, if you know you will not be operating your layout
for an extended period, you might save yourself some grief by turning off the power and manually
pushing your frogs, linkage and motor into the center neutral position.
Hankscraft guarantees the motors to be free of
defects for one year from the date of manufacture. Each motor is stamped with the date
top left on the face. "210" would be February of 2010. Should you encounter a defective
motor we want to know about it. Hankscraft stands behind their products as do we.
