Here’s a neat variation I came up with to throw a switch using an off the shelf barrel bolt. I used to run my trains year-round, in brutal conditions, and needed a throw system that could stand up to the odd whack of a snow shovel, or the toe of a work boot. It's shown here on a stub switch also chosen for climate reasons) but ought to work just as well with point switches too.

I've seen other hand made switches with spring, or wire spring, action, which is cool, but I wanted something more solid. The key design element with mine is to drill out the centre of the barrel so that the throw bar can slide back and forth. By adjusting the nuts on either side, it takes just seconds to "dial in" the perfect start, finish and throw distance. On the first throw like this that I built I used two nuts back to back to hold the stops in place, so I could make adjustments later on. But I never had to, so on this one a dab of CA does the trick. Threaded rod is readily available,

The plastic ties you see are from ME, and I merely use them as gauge bars. I place about six between the real, 7/8ths scale wooden ties, along the bendable sections of rail.

One last thing, it's surprisingly easy to drill a 1/8" hole through the barrel with a drill press. Just keep clearing the chip.

For more information on switches click here.