Mercontrol
Point and signal operating system
What is MERCONTROL ?
Mercontrol is a mechanical system for operating points and signals in most scales and gauges. Simple to connect, points and signals are operated like the prototype used to be.
The system consists of a leverframe or a universal point lever to provide the throw. This is transmitted by a fine steel wire passing through a small bore copper tube to the point or signal. Changes in direction are achieved by bending the wire and tube or by using an angle crank. Radiuses down to 2 inches (approx. 50mm.) are possible provided the tube is bent with the wire inserted. Never try to bend the tube without the wire inserted as this will distort the tube.
The system requires no electric or electronic components, is robust and reliable, is suitable for use indoors and outdoors*, can be linked to micro-switches if required to operate electrical circuits and has been proven by constant use and development.
*
Out of doors the wire in tube requires protection from penetration of water.
System Components in detail.
The Leverframe.
This has built-in positive locking. It is made of castings plugged together and secured with a brass rod and nuts. Levers pivoy on this rod, pass through the top plate at an angle and are held under pressure in the guide slots. Gentle finger pressure against this spring lifts a lever out of the recess at each end of the guide slots and move it to the alternative setting where it is again locked.
Throw of lever - 4.75mm, 6.3mm, 8mm.
Dimensions.
Height over levers 63mm.
Height of top plate 37mm.
Width 37mm.
Length (4-way) 38mm.
Length (6-way) 50mm.
Length (8-way) 65mm.
Fixing.
Use No. 2 screws through the feet, the length to suit your baseboard. Be generous - this is a working unit! Ensure a firm level seating.
1009 6 - way
1010 8 - way
1001 UNIVERSAL POINT LEVER (UPL)
Single non-locking lever with a variable throw of up to 4.75mm. (3/16th. inch)
Can be used singly or grouped together.
Fix with pins or small screws through slots at each end. Again be generous, ensure a firm seating.
1001T As 1001 but supplied in a pack of 3 levers
Use these :- for sharp changes of direction, where space is limited, to link several features to one lever, to increase or decrease the throw. In normal use the wire in and wire out connect to the two inner or two outer holes. To increase the throw connect the wire in to the inner hole of one arm and the wire out to the outer hole of the other arm. To decrease the throw connect in reverse. If it is required to increase or decrease the throw on a straight run connect one wire to the inner hole and the other wire to the outer hole on the same arm.
Pack of 6 including fixing pins
1003 Copper Tube (pack of 6 x 18 inch lengths)
1004 Steel wire (3048mm - 10 foot coil)
These take up any overthrow in the motion.
They attach to a leverframe with the loop standing vertically.
They attach to a UPL with the loop horizontal.
Use to connect Omega wires to the control wire.
Insert wires into slots as shown in drawing and push top onto main body. Gently rivet over the the pins to prevent top working loose. Adhesive can be used if prefered.
DO NOT SOLDER top on as this could damage the snap and / or prevent removal of the top if required.
1007 Steel track pins (9mm. - 3/8th. long).
1011 Large angle cranks - without bases. (pack of 10)
Length of arms - 18mm. Etched brass.
Use to turn motion from horizontal, through 90 degrees to a vertical motion
Designed to connect a universal point lever to the 'pip' on a Peco point tie-bar.
If the lever is positioned next to a Peco point, solder or glue the small end to the lever slidebar and drop the large end over the 'pip'.
1001 Universal Point Lever
1001T Universal Point Lever (triple pack)
1002 Angle Cranks with bases (pack of 6)
1003 Copper Tube (6 x 18"" lengths)
1004 Steel Wire (to fit copper tube) (3048mm - 10ft. Approx)
1005 Omega Wires (pack of 6)
1006 Wire Snaps (to connect wire to omegas) (pack of 6)
1007 Steel Track Pins
1008 4-way Leverframe
1009 6-way Leverframe
1010 8-way Leverframe
1011 Large Angle Cranks (no bases) (pack of 10)
1012 Vertical Angle Cranks (with bases) (pack of 6)
1013 Couplers (U.P.L to Peco point (pack of 10)
1015 PTFE Flexi - Tube (3 mtr. Coil)
2.75
7.50
2.40
12.50
1.85
1.85
1.85
1.00
9.95
13.95
15.95
2.60
2.40
1.35
3.50
190110
This microbore tube is approximately 1 mm in outside diameter and uses the same wire (1004) as the copper tube. An economical substitute for the copper tube. Can be used above or below the baseboard and in situations where more flexibility is required.
For more information on the MERCONTROL system, including tips, applications and instructions, please click the buttons below.
