Switch Stands
| The Hub Safety is an automatic switch stand. It protects against derailments and
damage to switch or switch stand when switches are trailed through. It permits a trailing movement without slowing
or stopping the train for the hand operation of switch stands. As the first pair of wheels forces the switch points
beyond the half-thrown position, the two double coil springs inside the stand snap the switch points completely
over. If a train makes a partial trailing into the crotch of the switch - opening the switch point less than half
way, then backing out - the coil spring return the switch points to their original position.
Whenever the switch is thrown, the target or light revolves to the new indication, and the switch points remain in the new position until the next switch operation, automatic or by hand. The position of the hand lever remains unchanged, regardless of the number of times the stand is automatically operated. This stand is normally equipped with screw-eye crank, but a double crank is also available. |
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| The No. 4 Hub switch stand is designed for service with high speed, heavy main line traffic, as well as yard use where impaired or close clearances require a low stand. The toggled dead center mechanism makes the switch stand self-locking. No amount of force exerted on the connecting rod can raise the lever. The ingenious yoke and toggle arrangement provides ease of operation by putting leverage into the operator's hands when needed most. Stops and locks are case integral with the base. This stand is normally equipped with screw-eye crank, but a double crank is also available. | ![]() |
| Pavement Switch Stand Design 350 is a pavement switch stand for use outside of the tracks. When specified, it can be supplied with fabricated boxes to surround the connecting rod. Design 375 (not shown) is similar to design 350, but it is for use between the tracks. This stand requires drilling holes through the switch points and stock rails. | ![]() |
The switch stands shown below are a gearless type that operate on the sliding-block-and-crank principle. All moving parts are above the ties, where they are readily accessible and free from dirt. These stands can be supplied with either a rigid or spring connecting rod, and replacement parts are readily available.
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Model 1217 is for use with rails up to and including 60-lb. It can be supplied
with or without a target and has a height of only 3 in. (W/o target). The screw-eye can be adjusted for a throw
of from 2-1/2 to 5 in.
Weight - 50 lbs. Rigid Rod: Design 8vm Single Adjustable (2'6" long) weight 11 lbs. Spring Rod: Design 829 Pipe Enclosed (2'5-1/2" long) Weight 24 lbs. |
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Model 1222 is a heavy-duty stand for use with rails 70-lb and over. It can be
supplied with or without a target, and has a height of only 3-3/4" (without target). The screw-eye can be adjusted
for a throw of from 3-1/2 to 6 in.
Weight 81 lbs. Rigid Rod: Design 11UA Single Adjustable (Available in various lengths) Spring Rod: Design 11SFU Yoke Type (3'10-1/2" long) Weight 69 lbs.
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Installing Ground Throw Switch Stands
These stands are easy to install, and are fully adjustable. Before spiking the stand, set the switch points at exactly one-half the throw. Raise the throwing lever until the screw-eye is parallel to the rail. Then fasten the connecting rod to the head rod, and spike down the stand. If it is found, after spiking down the stand, that either switch points does not fit properly against the stock rail, this condition can be corrected by simply adjusting either the screw-eye on the stand, or the clevis on the rod, or both.
Connecting Rods
Rigid Single Adjustable Connecting Rods are made of forged steel and have an adjustable clevis which facilitates installation by allowing small adjustments in the length of the rod. Spring Connecting Rods are recommended for any installation where there is a chance that switches will be "trailed through". When a switch equipped with a spring connecting rod is trailed through, the spring allows the wheels to force the point over, and then pulls the points back to the original position after the wheel have passed. If a switch is rigid rod is trailed through, it is very likely the switch stand will be damaged and there is a greater chance of derailment.
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Design 8VMrigid single-adjustable connecting rod is used for model 1217 switch stand. Design 11UA (not shown) is similar to design 8VM, but it is for use with model 1222, and is larger and heavier.
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Design 829 spring connecting is for use with Model 1217 Switch Stand. The spring for this rod is normally made from 3/8 in. Diameter wire, but a heavier wire can be used if greater spring pressure is desired.
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Design 11SFU spring connecting rod is designed for use with Model 1222 switch stand. It has a double coil spring that delivers more than twice the thrust of the standard Design 829 Rod.
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When there is no clearance on either side of the track, Model 1222 can be used with connecting rod Design 11-HU. When so used it can be operated from between the switch points, as illustrated at the left. In locations such as these, the switch rod is more offset to pass under the stand. |
Star Switch Stands meet the optimum requirements of these important devices for indicating train movements. They are easy to operate, designed for great strength, can be dismantled and assembled easily and quickly, provide protection against direct and corrosion, and can be inspected, adjusted and maintained conveniently.
Star stands are open column, main line switch stands of unusual strength and resiliency. All parts are steel. The yoke and table are cast alloy steel. Legs and base are rolled steel with welded assembly. They are available in two styles: No. 1 High and No. 1 Low for single headblock (one tie) layouts; No. 6 high and No. 7 High. for double headblock (two tie) layout.
All parts are accessible for easy inspection. Lever throw on No. 6 High and No. 7 High is parallel to the track for added safety to the operator. No. 7 High has extended service period oil-impregnated nylon bushings. Rigid non-adjustable connecting rods are most commonly used with these stands but adjustable rods are also available. The connecting rod for the high stands must be long enough (usually 6') so that the stands does not interfere with the rolling stock. Provisions is made for use with target or signal lamp.
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| No. 1 High Star switch stand 18" red target Weight - 250 lbs (including connecting rod) |
No. 6 High Star switch stand with double crank for double headblock, 18" red target Weight - 250 lbs. (including connecting rod) |
No. 7 High Star switch stand double headblock, screw-eye crank Weight - 250 lbs. (including connecting rod) |
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