Yes I’m trying to hide the switch unit that is attached to the turnout.
The best way is to use an under the table switch machine.
Atlas makes one
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/150-65
The Circuitron Tortoise switch machine machine is what is used by many modelers these days
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/800-6000
There are a number of linkages that can be used to surface mount a standard switch machine away from the turnout and hidden in scenery or in a building, but these are a hassle to get working
The most ingenious suggestion I ever heard of (but didn’t try myself) was to mount the machine upside down under the screw tabs and glue a small piece of plastic tubing underneath on the throw bar. Obviously, you need to use roadbed and cut enough away for clearance.
Enjoy
Paul
I have hidden a number of Atlas Snap Switch machines under the switch. You have to cut a hole under the switch of course - in my case the layout is on 1 inch foam so this is easy. You disconnect the motor and mount it under the switch with strong double sided tape [Staples]. Before you do this make a small right angle wire piece and attach it to the activator pin on the motor - I used a piece of styrene square tubing and CA glue. You have to position the motor carefully under the switch as you just get one shot. Pulling the switch off with the strong double sided tape is tough. Attach the wires and away you go. Her’s a couple of pictures that may help. Good luck.
Alan
Genious!
David B
Ooops. Parallel threads. I posted some more suggestions on the Layouts forum:
Thank you, these are great ideas.
Frank
Thanks everyone for the great ideas.
I made and used these for quite a while.
They take just a few minutes to make and very cheap. I posted a description how to mount the Atlas motors under the bench, called “Atlas under table adapter” on 1-3-08, Retyping it would take me a long time[%-)]. My Atlas motors have been working for about two years without problems. I did install a capacitor discharge system so I would not burn up the snap motors accidentally. Some modelers don’t like the adapters because of the little arm above the track. I’m OK with that. The thickness of your table doesn’t really make a difference with this adapter.
Have a good day.
Lee