Installation of Tortise Machines

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I have developed a relatively easy method of mounting the Tortoise Switch Machines on my layout and thought I would share it with others. It may be easier than other methods and any suggestions would be appreciated. So far I have installed about 20 Tortoise machines this way. I hope this helps some that have this task ahead of them, it really is an easy system to use without having to try to get those little screws to hold the Tortoise upside down under the layout.

  1. Cut mounting plate from ½” plywood approximately 3” x 5” and drill a series of holes for the two mounting screws (1 1/8” deck screw) and clearance for the throw wire (5/8” dia.). Once you have the first one laid out it is easier to make a batch of them at one time. I made 24 the first time.
  2. I also made a drill template for the Tortoise screw pattern and drill pilot holes for #4 x ½’ binding head screws (I used sheet metal screws from Home Depot). This is made of 1/8” acrylic and is shown in the second photo.
  3. Mount the Tortoise Machine to the mounting plate.
2

Farrellaa, great minds must think alike. I just finished installing 14 Bullfrog manual turnouts and that is identical to how I installed them. I made a mounting plate, because the Bullfrog mounting plate was just too small, I even used the double face tape to hold it inplace while I screwed it in place.

3

Glad to see someone thinks like I do. It sure makes for a relatively easy installation. Not like the first two I did. I guess the old sayiing holds true ‘Give a difficult job to a lazy man and he will find an easy solution!’

  • Bob