I am using Caboose Industries #208S sprung ground throws to control my switches and I needed the two long headblock ties to mount them. Ross switches come from the factory with long headblock ties on both sides for flexibility in mounting the switch controller, but many of my switches were used and the previous owner had trimmed some or all of them away. So, I had to cut and paste new headblocks where necessary. Naturally, I first had to paint and install cork roadbed under the headblock ties to firm them up.
To mount the ground throws I used #0 wood screws which were 7/16" long. I bought a bag for a couple of bucks on Ebay and they work fine as long as your use the correct sized screw driver. Otherwise, you will easily strip out the screwhead.
It was during this time that I realized one of the used switches I had bought had been abused to the point that the throw rod didn't work properly. There was so much slop in where it had been worn that it wouldn't close properly. I wish I had noticed this before installing it. I really wished I had discovered it before I went to a train show where Ross was selling switches so that I could have easily picked up a new one, but I hadn't. So, I will need to order a new switch and have it mailed to me. Boo.
Oh well. I would rather get it right now before everything is painted and ballasted. In the future I will avoid buying used switches unless I can handle them myself first.
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