Allan Clark switchstand

1:20.3-scale harp switchstand
Allan Clark
1232 Oceanside Drive
Qualicum Beach BC V9K 1C6
Canada
Prices: Kit, $20US + s&h; built, $25US + s&h
Web site: www.grantspassandpacificrailroad.com

All brass, three-position harp switchstand; available as a kit or built up; three position; modeled after DSP&P switchstand; intended primarily for stub switches. Dimensions: base, 1¼” wide x 1½” high; mast, 4″ high; maximum (full) throw 3/4″

Pros: Attractive unit; prototypical operation; mast locks in position; well made; sturdy; can be left outdoors at all times

Cons: A little sloppy in action, which could affect center position

Harp switchstands were used in the earlier days of railroading by many lines, both standard and narrow gauge. They offered simple construction and positive action, and the target indicated the switch’s position, although in reverse.

This model is patterned after a switchstand used by the Denver, South Park & Pacific, a narrow-gauge line in Colorado. It is available in both kit and built-up forms. We were sent a built one to review, along with a set of kit instructions.

Our review sample is well made, if a little rough. It is constructed entirely of brass, the base being made of castings and the other parts of brass shapes. It functions as would a full-size stand. There is a piece in the mast that rests in one of three notches cast into the base, thus locking it in position. To change it, the mast-which is slotted at its pivot point-is lifted and moved to the new position. This stand has three positions. In our sample, there were two holes drilled near the bottom of the mast, which would be for the throw rod to the switch points or stub ends.
This switchstand has a pretty long throw- 3/4″ at full throw or 3/8″ for half throw. This is probably too much for point-type switches. However, for stub switches, the lead rails could be adjusted to the throw of the switchstand.

There is a little slop in our review sample. On a two-way stub switch, this should not be a problem, as the spring of the rails would take up the slop. However, in the center position of a three-way switch, where the rail might be relaxed, there is the potential for alignment problems.

I read through the kit instructions, which consist of a written section supplemented by drawings and a couple of photos. The text is written in a folksy manner that I found distracting, but the instructions seemed understandable.

This is a durable, well-made product that would do well in the garden, assuming that your switches could accommodate it.