Sleek, silent, and gentle turnouts? NOT WITH MOTORS! - Muscle Wire Turnouts

Is it possible to automate model train turnouts gently and silently with in a small package? With muscle wires, it might just be a reality!
Today I share how I operate the turnouts on my coffee table layout using nickel titanium shape memory alloy actuator wires and what kind of performance we can expect from a more refined design!
The crimped wire assemblies I have are Flexinol® actuator wires from Dynalloy, Inc. If you want to learn more about this fascinating technology or get in contact to order some for yourself, visit their website at: dynalloy.com/
3D Print Files (.STL) available on Thingiverse:
www.thingiverse.com/thing:518...
www.thingiverse.com/thing:518...

[@AlejandroGarcia-rw3pr]

Looking forward to more!

[@davestrains6816]

Great idea. Nice setup. Thanks for sharing. Dave

[@ronheiser3248]

Great idea. Keep up the good work.

[@carlwydrzynski3578]

What an awesome idea. I'd love to adapt to my future layout.

[@Tipman2OOO]

Thanks for uploading. Had no idea these existed and supposedly I know a bit about model railroading and electronic switches!

[@allenbarnes7202]

Did you patent this idea, you could , I could use about a dozen of these

[@NScaleDystopia]

This is fascinating. I would love to take a closer peek at your slider assembly as I'm not sure I understand the mechanics. Can I assume that the muscle wire contracts, moves the slider, and when the current is removed the wire returns to its original length but the slider stays put - meaning the wire can only pull the slider not push it? Additionally could the wire turn a corner or does it need to be straight? I'm thinking that you could potentially reduce the length of the slider module by half if somehow the wire was able to return to its origin. Either way, really interesting stuff and thank you for sharing.

[@LevelUpRailways]

Hi N Scale Dystopia, I decided to throw the STL files on thingiverse and added the links to the description. The preview pictures may help clarify the mechanism. First, you are correct, the wire can only pull. However, while you can see the wire go slack in the video after the current is removed, you'll need to stretch it with some force to truly return to original length (in this case, the opposing wire in the slider or the weight in the demonstrations). The wire can take corners, but tight corners can create a weak point. Trying to make the wire slide across a corner is worse. The rounded corners I use on the sliders are a solid starting point, gentle enough for the small wires and balanced on each side so the wire won't be sliding across it. Thanks for the comment and I'm glad you found the video interesting!