{"id":2564,"date":"2019-04-23T21:55:04","date_gmt":"2019-04-24T01:55:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/?p=2564"},"modified":"2022-08-22T09:27:52","modified_gmt":"2022-08-22T13:27:52","slug":"turnout-control-with-servos-part-ii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/turnout-control-with-servos-part-ii\/","title":{"rendered":"Turnout Control with Servos &#8211; Part II"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Back in 2016 I wrote the article <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Turnout Control with Servos (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/turnout-control-with-servos\/\" target=\"_blank\">Turnout Control with Servos<\/a> . Since then I have been using servos exclusively on all my layouts. I have learned much since then and have changed some of the ways I control and mount the servos. In this article I am going to update everyone on the changes and some better ways of doing things. I am also going to show how to build a Tortoise equivalent servo motor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Servos are not for everyone! They are not &#8220;plug and play&#8221; and require extra effort to get them working (let&#8217;s call it some assembly required). Cost is usually the big motivator for using servos but I found that once the learning curve was past, servos were much more versatile than other options. Some of the pros and cons to servos include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Inexpensive<\/li><li>Small<\/li><li>Versatile<\/li><li>Precise<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Extra effort\/assembly required<\/li><li>More pieces\/components<\/li><li>Sophisticated<\/li><li>Noise<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The inexpensive price of servos is what got me motivated to try servos. When I designed the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Boat Yard (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/the-boat-yard\/\" target=\"_blank\">Boat Yard<\/a>, the layout required 29 turnouts. Even if I purchased Tortoise 12 packs at the lowest cost on <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"ebay (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=tortoise+12&amp;_sacat=180250&amp;LH_TitleDesc=0&amp;_sop=15&amp;_osacat=180250&amp;_odkw=tortoise\" target=\"_blank\">eBay<\/a> the total cost would have been around $435 (retail was about $696). This was would have been the largest expense on the layout. The chart below is a basic price comparison using retail pricing. The servo cost includes the controller, servo, mount and two micro switches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"533\" data-attachment-id=\"2571\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/turnout-control-with-servos-part-ii\/costchart-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/CostChart-1.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1511,787\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"CostChart\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/CostChart-1-300x156.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/CostChart-1-1024x533.jpg\" src=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/CostChart-1-1024x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2571\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/CostChart-1-1024x533.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/CostChart-1-600x313.jpg 600w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/CostChart-1-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/CostChart-1-768x400.jpg 768w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/CostChart-1-1218x634.jpg 1218w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/CostChart-1.jpg 1511w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Cost comparison between common turnout controls. The servo cost includes the controller, servo, mount and two micro switches.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond cost, I have found servos to also fit in tight spaces where a Tortoise would have been a problem. Another issue is that a Tortoise has a single speed and only stops at specific points, a servo can be adjusted to a variety of speeds and stopping points (even multiple stops within a single movement). Servos are also very precise. A servo can repeat the exact range of motion, speed and stopping points every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order for a servo to do everything a Tortoise can do, we need three things; the servo, a servo controller, micro switches and a mounting bracket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"449\" height=\"401\" data-attachment-id=\"2572\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/turnout-control-with-servos-part-ii\/micro-9g-servo\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/micro-9g-servo.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"449,401\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"micro-9g-servo\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/micro-9g-servo-300x268.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/micro-9g-servo.jpg\" src=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/micro-9g-servo.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2572\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/micro-9g-servo.jpg 449w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/micro-9g-servo-416x372.jpg 416w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/micro-9g-servo-300x268.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 449px) 100vw, 449px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n\n<p><strong>Servo<\/strong><br>SG90 \/ 9G<br><\/p>\n\n\n<p>The servo is the &#8220;motor&#8221; portion of the  system.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"731\" data-attachment-id=\"2573\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/turnout-control-with-servos-part-ii\/pololu_minimaestro12\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/pololu_MiniMaestro12.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"800,731\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"pololu_MiniMaestro12\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/pololu_MiniMaestro12-300x274.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/pololu_MiniMaestro12.jpg\" src=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/pololu_MiniMaestro12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2573\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/pololu_MiniMaestro12.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/pololu_MiniMaestro12-600x548.jpg 600w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/pololu_MiniMaestro12-300x274.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/pololu_MiniMaestro12-768x702.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n\n<p><strong>Servo Controller<\/strong><br> 12 channels<br><\/p>\n\n\n<p>Setup varies by controller. Some controllers will require two channels; one for input and one for the servo.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" data-attachment-id=\"2576\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/turnout-control-with-servos-part-ii\/microswitch-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/MicroSwitch-1.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"600,600\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"MicroSwitch\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/MicroSwitch-1-300x300.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/MicroSwitch-1.jpg\" src=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/MicroSwitch-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/MicroSwitch-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/MicroSwitch-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/MicroSwitch-1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/MicroSwitch-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n\n<p><strong>Micro Switch<\/strong><br>DPST<\/p>\n\n\n<p>Micro switches take the place of the contacts on a Tortoise. They can be used for frog polarity, signals or other electrical requirements.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"556\" data-attachment-id=\"2628\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/?attachment_id=2628\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650000-R.png\" data-orig-size=\"1000,556\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"650000-R\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650000-R-300x167.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650000-R.png\" src=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650000-R.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650000-R.png 1000w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650000-R-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650000-R-768x427.png 768w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650000-R-600x334.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n\n<p><strong>Mounting Bracket<\/strong><br>3D Printed<\/p>\n\n\n<p>The image shows the mounting bracket design I choose. This design is available from <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Thingiverse (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thingiverse.com\/thing:1543113\" target=\"_blank\">Thingiverse<\/a>. For those who do not have access to a 3D printer, the <a href=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/product\/servo-mounting-bracket-rh-bracket-only\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"bracket is available from this site (opens in a new tab)\">bracket is available from this site<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Servo Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the prior article went over some of this before, I will recap some servo basics for this article. A Servo is a small device that incorporates a two wire DC motor, a gear train, a potentiometer, an integrated circuit, and an output shaft. Of the three wires that stick out from the motor casing, one is for power, one is for ground, and one is a control input line. The control input line receives a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal which the servo &#8220;decodes&#8221; to perform the action required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"293\" data-attachment-id=\"2582\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/turnout-control-with-servos-part-ii\/servo-rotation\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/servo-rotation.gif\" data-orig-size=\"400,293\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"servo-rotation\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/servo-rotation-300x220.gif\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/servo-rotation.gif\" src=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/servo-rotation.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2582\"\/><figcaption>The control input line receives a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal which the servo &#8220;decodes&#8221; to perform the action required<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The following image illustrates the configuration of all the electrical components for the servo. The 9G servo uses 5V DC and is attached to the controller. The controller supplies the servo with all the required power and signal. Normally a switch will provide the input to the controller but many other possibilities could be used. The exact connections will depend on the controller you select.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"458\" data-attachment-id=\"2583\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/turnout-control-with-servos-part-ii\/servoconfiguration\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ServoConfiguration.gif\" data-orig-size=\"1253,560\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"ServoConfiguration\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ServoConfiguration-300x134.gif\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ServoConfiguration-1024x458.gif\" src=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ServoConfiguration-1024x458.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2583\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ServoConfiguration-1024x458.gif 1024w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ServoConfiguration-600x268.gif 600w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ServoConfiguration-300x134.gif 300w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ServoConfiguration-768x343.gif 768w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ServoConfiguration-1218x544.gif 1218w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Very basic servo\/controller diagram. Inputs\/outputs will vary depending on the controller used.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Controller Selection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For this article I will be using the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Pololu Mini Maestro 12-Channel USB Servo Controller (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/1352\" target=\"_blank\">Pololu Mini Maestro 12-Channel USB Servo Controller<\/a>. I do not recommend the Pololu for everyone. It requires a certain degree of understanding in electrical circuits and requires programming. The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Pololu site (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/1352\" target=\"_blank\">Pololu site<\/a> contains lots of helpful information and sample code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who wish to have an easier setup, a very good and very popular controller is the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Megapoints Controller (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/megapointscontrollers.co.uk\/product\/servo-controller-12\/\" target=\"_blank\">Megapoints Controller<\/a>. This controller is affordable and easier to setup than the Pololu. The pros for using the<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Megapoints Controller (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/megapointscontrollers.co.uk\/product\/servo-controller-12\/\" target=\"_blank\"> Megapoints Controller<\/a> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li> Pre-programmed<\/li><li>Simple setup<\/li><li>Controls 12 turnouts<\/li><li>Low cost per turnout <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"618\" data-attachment-id=\"2649\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/turnout-control-with-servos-part-ii\/servo-controller-600x618\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Servo-Controller-600x618.png\" data-orig-size=\"600,618\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Servo-Controller-600&amp;#215;618\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Servo-Controller-600x618-291x300.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Servo-Controller-600x618.png\" src=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Servo-Controller-600x618.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2649\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Servo-Controller-600x618.png 600w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Servo-Controller-600x618-291x300.png 291w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Servo Selection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I have found the best servo for turnout control is the SG90\/9G servo which is also used in RC planes and other vehicles. Is a very robust and common component and it is low cost. These can be purchased easily through and number of on-line shopping sites.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Micro Switches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to provide the same electrical contacts as a Tortoise, I am using two SPDT 3 Terminal Sub Micro Limit Switches. Like the servos, these are very common and used in all kinds of machinery making them a very low cost option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mounting Bracket<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In my <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"original article (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/turnout-control-with-servos\/\" target=\"_blank\">original article<\/a> I used a piece of aluminum to fabricate a mounting bracket for the servo. This early design did not have any means for frog wiring (this was handled through an extra circuit instead). This new design uses a design located on <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Thingiverse (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thingiverse.com\/thing:1543113\" target=\"_blank\">Thingiverse.<\/a> Unfortunately, unless you own a 3D printer or are willing to pay a service, this bracket was not available. Luckily I had a 3D printer to make the bracket. I am making these brackets available as <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"stand alone (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/product\/servo-mounting-bracket-rh-bracket-only\/\" target=\"_blank\">stand alone<\/a>, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"kits (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/product\/turnout-control-servo-kit-with-bracket-and-micro-switches\/\" target=\"_blank\">kits<\/a> or <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"assembled  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/product\/turnout-control-servo-assembly-with-bracket-and-micro-switches\/\" target=\"_blank\">assembled <\/a>for others who would like to try servos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"556\" data-attachment-id=\"2628\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/?attachment_id=2628\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650000-R.png\" data-orig-size=\"1000,556\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"650000-R\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650000-R-300x167.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650000-R.png\" src=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650000-R.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650000-R.png 1000w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650000-R-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650000-R-768x427.png 768w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650000-R-600x334.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Servo Noise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the biggest complaints from users of servos is the noise that can happen. Noise is caused by one of two things, high speed and chatter. The servo is geared and at high speed it will make a ZIP sound. Slowing the servo will make them very quiet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chatter is what happens to a servo under sustained load. A servo is always powered and will try to hold its position. If there is a lot of push back, the servo will chatter as it tries to hold the position. I have had a few stubborn hand laid turnouts which caused the servo to chatter. These turnouts required &#8220;extra&#8221; effort to bend and get them into position. Once there the effort was too much and chatter occurred. After some tinkering I found that although significant effort was required to get the points into final position, the same effort was not required to hold them there. So instead I programmed the controller to move the servo to a point of great effort and then relax the servo to the minimum required to hold the point in place. In this way chatter was eliminated. I now program all my turnouts with this logic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Servo Assembly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"783\" data-attachment-id=\"2632\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/?attachment_id=2632\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650001-LFA_Right.png\" data-orig-size=\"1000,783\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"650001-LFA_Right\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650001-LFA_Right-300x235.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650001-LFA_Right.png\" src=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650001-LFA_Right.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2632\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650001-LFA_Right.png 1000w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650001-LFA_Right-300x235.png 300w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650001-LFA_Right-768x601.png 768w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650001-LFA_Right-600x470.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The servo and bracket assembly goes together very easily. The servo slips into the pocket and is held in place with the small sheet metal screws provided with the servo. I do recommend drilling and tapping the vertical holes for the 2-56 machine screws. This makes assembly of the top much easier. The micro switches are held in place with 2-56 screws, nuts and washers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the motor is in the bracket it is VERY IMPORTANT to center the servo WITHOUT the arm on the servo. Failure to do so can cause damage to servo. Refer to the servo controller instructions on how to perform that action.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"284\" height=\"300\" data-attachment-id=\"2646\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/turnout-control-with-servos-part-ii\/img_0974\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0974.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1000,1055\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 7&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1556052004&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;3.99&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;25&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.033333333333333&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_0974\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0974-284x300.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0974-971x1024.jpg\" src=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0974-284x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0974-284x300.jpg 284w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0974-768x810.jpg 768w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0974-971x1024.jpg 971w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0974-600x633.jpg 600w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0974.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 284px) 100vw, 284px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Once the servo has been centered, locate the appropriate pivot hole as close to center of the turnout arm as possible. Mark the holes from the bracket onto the mounting surface. Pre-drill the holes that were marked. Restore the bracket assembly again and screw in place. I use small brass #6 screws for this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the servo is mounted in place, use 0.032 music\/piano wire and create an &#8220;S&#8221; bend into one end. Insert the bent end into the servo arm as shown. Slide the other end of the wire into pivot hole and through to the turnout arm hole. Once the wire is threaded through the turnout arm, carefully attach the servo arm to the servo in the center position (remember, we centered the servo already).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" data-attachment-id=\"2647\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/turnout-control-with-servos-part-ii\/img_0973\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0973.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1000,747\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 7&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1556051981&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;3.99&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;25&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;6&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_0973\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0973-300x224.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0973.jpg\" src=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0973-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2647\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0973-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0973-768x574.jpg 768w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0973-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0973-600x448.jpg 600w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0973.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>At this point, you will be able to power up the servo and adjust the servo to find the best positions for the turnout (this portion is dependent on the controller you selected). Remember, too much force and you will get chatter. The end result should be just enough to hold the point in place.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"275\" data-attachment-id=\"2648\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/turnout-control-with-servos-part-ii\/img_0975\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0975.png\" data-orig-size=\"1000,918\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_0975\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0975-300x275.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0975.png\" src=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0975-300x275.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0975-300x275.png 300w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0975-768x705.png 768w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0975-600x551.png 600w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_0975.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wiring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Wiring the SPDT micro switches is very straight forward. Powering a frog only uses one of the switches, leaving the other open for signals or other purposes. The following is a basic wiring diagram for the frog. It will be necessary to test which rail is correct will need to be done prior to soldering the leads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"445\" height=\"126\" data-attachment-id=\"2651\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/turnout-control-with-servos-part-ii\/untitled-diagram\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Diagram.png\" data-orig-size=\"445,126\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Untitled Diagram\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Diagram-300x85.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Diagram.png\" src=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Diagram.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2651\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Diagram.png 445w, https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Diagram-300x85.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 445px) 100vw, 445px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The more I have worked with servos the easier they become. I am able to assemble and mount these servo brackets almost as fast as a Tortoise. They take up significantly less space and provide the flexibility to do more custom things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To assist others who would like to try servos with these brackets, I have setup a store on this website to sell the brackets at very little cost. All the products are available on the <a href=\"http:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/shop\/\">shop page<\/a>. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Back in 2016 I wrote the article Turnout Control with Servos . Since then I have been using servos exclusively on all my layouts. I&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2629,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2564","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles-on-small-layouts","wpcat-2-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/650001-LF.png","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4e6yk-Fm","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1542,"url":"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/turnout-control-with-servos\/","url_meta":{"origin":2564,"position":0},"title":"Turnout Control with Servos","author":"Marshall Stull","date":"March 29, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"With the building of my\u00a0new Free-mo module set \"The Boat Yard\", I have had to change some of my usual \"go to\" items. I have always used Tortoise turnout motors in the past. These have been great performers that took little time to set up and they had built it\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Modular Layouts&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Modular Layouts","link":"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/category\/modules\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/0J2330.1200.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/0J2330.1200.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/0J2330.1200.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/0J2330.1200.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5512,"url":"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/website-issues-again\/","url_meta":{"origin":2564,"position":1},"title":"Website Issues (again)","author":"Marshall Stull","date":"August 21, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"I recently had an issue with the eCommerce software I have been using to sell the Servo Brackets. The website kept working to the public but the backend was unavailable for about two weeks. I finally had to shut down and remove the eCommerce software and the site's backend is\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;TRAIN ORDERS&quot;","block_context":{"text":"TRAIN ORDERS","link":"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/category\/train-orders\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Train Order","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Stop-Look-Listen-sign-IRM-7-7-07.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Stop-Look-Listen-sign-IRM-7-7-07.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Stop-Look-Listen-sign-IRM-7-7-07.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Stop-Look-Listen-sign-IRM-7-7-07.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":93,"url":"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/hand-laying-track\/","url_meta":{"origin":2564,"position":2},"title":"Hand Laying Track","author":"Marshall Stull","date":"November 4, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Part of my plan for Mound City 1862 is to have authentic looking track work. That will mean rough wood ties, stub switches and code 55 track. Essentially I have to hand lay all of the track. I have never hand laid track before, much less a turnout. So I\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Small Layout How To Articles&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Small Layout How To Articles","link":"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/category\/articles-on-small-layouts\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Track work","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/img_1754-150x150.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":194,"url":"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/194-inches-776-ties-3104-spikes\/","url_meta":{"origin":2564,"position":3},"title":"194 inches, 776 ties, 3,104 spikes","author":"Marshall Stull","date":"November 18, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Progress has been slow. I decided to spike every tie for a more authentic look. the finished results are looking good but it is slow going. I decided to do some quick math to see how many spikes I would drive by the time I was done. Here is the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Small Layout How To Articles&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Small Layout How To Articles","link":"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/category\/articles-on-small-layouts\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/img_1762.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":271,"url":"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/working-with-foam-core\/","url_meta":{"origin":2564,"position":4},"title":"Working with Foam Core","author":"Marshall Stull","date":"December 31, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"There has been a lot of\u00a0conversation\u00a0in the forums about using Gator Foam, Foam Board, Insulation Foam and the pros and cons of each\u00a0for layouts. I decided to break out my old Bakersville Layout and see how it was holding up. I started Bakersville two years ago as an On30 test\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Small Layout How To Articles&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Small Layout How To Articles","link":"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/category\/articles-on-small-layouts\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Bakersfield underside showing frame and cross members","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/img_1812-150x150.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1018,"url":"https:\/\/smallmr.com\/wordpress\/small-layout-ideas-the-palmyra-and-jacksonburgh-railroad\/","url_meta":{"origin":2564,"position":5},"title":"Small Layout Ideas &#8211; The Palmyra and Jacksonburgh Railroad","author":"Marshall Stull","date":"October 31, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"The area of Michigan that I live in has a colorful history when it comes to railroads. Every major eastern carrier at one time crossed lower South East Michigan through Monroe and Lenawee Counties. 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