Hornby Electrical Levers

What you have is a fairly rare RT48 Lever Frame Section for operating the R170 Electrically Operating Level Crossing which was produced from 1957 until 1961. The slow opening and closing of the gates was achieved by the expansion and contraction of a wire as a current was passed through it. This was of course, back in the era of Triang Railways.

Regards,

Dave W.

You could build one today with memory wire. It actually contracts when heated, and returns to its original form when it cools.

"Dave Potter" wrote

The following (which enlarges *very* slightly from what Dave W said) is from Pat Hammond:-

They were made for use with the Tri-ang electric level crossings. The levers were produced between 1957 and 1961 and carried the catalogue number RT48. They were also going to be used with the Tri-ang horn unit but the project was abandoned before reaching production.

Pat

Thanks for the answers guys.

So what (not having the Tri-ang level crossing) can I use it for?

"Dave Potter" wrote

It had much the same purpose as a non-latching push to make switch. In order words anything which needs a shot of power for a short length of time.

On the other hand you could probably bang it up on eBay and retire on the proceeds. :-)

John.

John said "On the other hand you could probably bang it up on eBay and retire on the proceeds. :-)"

Dave wishes :-))

"Dave Potter" wrote

Was a joke - but you *never* know with eBay.

John.

Exactly. Perhaps I could get Aldo to write the ad for me :-))

Nah, too much trouble. Just write "rare" a few times and compare it to, say, power station switching equipment.

:-)

PhilD

Like it Phil :-)

But really, what could I use it for? Is it something to be put in the box labelled "Stuff that might have a use one day?"

Ah, what the hell. For the sake of a couple of quid, let's have a laugh....

This could be fun!

Wouldn't I be surprised if I got a bidder!!!

You forgot to mention "stunning red livery... modest opinion... suits this magnificent beast.."

Otherwise I definitely would have been a bidder. I am absolutely positive that Hornby will release the Tri-ang Horn Unit any day now, just as soon as testing is completed, and it's best to have a lever like this in the collection just to be ready for when it arrives...

Cheers, Steve

"Dave Potter" wrote

Very Aldoesque! :-)

John.

Nah, he's only charging three quid delivery. ;-)

Gandalph.

Indeed, for an aldo spoof I can only give this a c- at best. The description didn't include "NOT LIMA HORNBY BACHMAN". Only six uses of the word rare. Absolutely no sarcastic responses to questions. And not even an "once in a lifetime opportunity to own". Must try harder. ;-)

Hey Gandalph

Write the ad and I'll amend the description :-))