Hello all,
What is the best way to install turnout machines on a layout with 3/4 inch plywood as the base?
All input will be of value.
Thanks, Willjr
What type of machines? Atlas, Peco, Tortoise?
Nick
I was planning on the Atlas turnouts.
Willjr
I’ve used the Atlas undertable switch machines with mixed success. Maybe it’s my own lack of skill, but you’ve got to align them rather carefully to make sure you get the full travel of the points. That said, if you get it right they work pretty well. I just used pre-applied a bunch of masking tape to the bottom with the tape hanging off the sides. Once I got it lined up I’d hold it and use my free hand to spread the tape. It’d hold so I could then duck under the table and screw it in.
Somebody probably has a more elegant solution, though. 
The easiest way to mount Atlas machines is to use the above table ones that clip right to the turnout. They are difficult to hide, but there is nothing to align.
For the undertable ones, I center the turnout’s points, and secure them with tape. Then I center the throw arm on the machine and secure it with tape. Insert the throw arm into the turnouts throw bar from underneith. Line up the machine with long axis of the turnout. More tape, and then screw the machine in place.
Nick
Have you ever considered going with the “Tortoise Machine” instead?..I used Atlas for years and have a bad back to prove it…they are really hard to mount and over a period of time the coils eventually burn out …the above mounting directions from the previous posts are about as easy as it gets when it comes to mounting the Atlas but the Tortoise is a better built and easier to install turnout machine…they also have built in relays so you need not have to purchase the Atlas relay in conjunction with the Atlas turnout machine to run panel lights, targets, powered frogs ect… you’ll also have to install a capacitor discharge unit for the Atlas if you want them to throw with enough power to get the track points from one rail to the other…another component needed for the Atlas equipment…if you put the cost of all the Atlas equipment together with what the tortoise costs it’s about the same except with the Tortoise Machine, you’ll get a better quality, easier to mount turnout machine…chuck
I appreciate all of the input fellas. Yeah, the Tortouise Machine sounds like the winner here.
After I have the track lined up, approx what size hole should I cut? I’m using 3/4 inch plywood. And are they difficult to line up with the switches?
My main reason for asking is because I’ve got 6 screws in my neck, and want to spend as little amount of time under the layout.
Again thanks for the input.
Willjr
It’s easiest to drill the hole before laying the track. 1/2" to 3/4" will do. Tortises come with a template to drill the holes and such. If you don’t want to duck under the layout, I return to my idea about using the above table machines that clip onto the turnouts. You can’t really hide them, but they are MUCH easier on the neck.
Nick
The new Atlas Deluxe Under Table Switch Machine includes a double-pole, double-throw relay with actuating mechanism. So you no longer have to buy a separate relay.
There is no mention of such requirements in any of the product litterature from Atlas; so I don’t know where you got your information. [%-)][%-)][%-)]
I use Atlas machines, and don’t use a capacitor discarge device. My power supply is large enough to power several machines at once. They down side is, that if a button sticks, the machine will burn up.
Nick
Liquid Nails is the answer. Forget the screws. The adhesive is tacky on contact and holds the switch machine upside down. Glue it in the general area and then you can tweak the position just by sliding it around. Let it dry and wire it. I have used this method to install over 50 atlas switch machines on my layout and dont have any problems with them.
Only thing is that you can get 3 atlas machines for the price of one tortise.[:)]