I have a 12’ x 33" N scale layout with 20 turnouts. I am not happy with the atlas twin solenoid motors and am looking for alternatives. Tortoises and the Walthers turnout motors kinda irritate me due to their physical size, so I have been looking at the MTBs.
Has anyone got experience with mounting these on pre-laid track? My turnouts are all solenoid Atlas powered, and its all just been converted from DC to DCC (Though I have no intentions to use decoders for the turnouts), and I dont need frog power switching capability.
So theres several questions here, really.
the MTBs mention 3mm throw as their smallest, which suits HO scale turnouts. Does this mean they cant be used for N?
If that throw is too far, perhaps a 2:1 bellcrank linkage to restrict it, using piano wire rather than high tensile rods (so machine, to bellcrank with tensile rod, the piano wire to the turnout)? Just a thought.
ideas on how to offset the linkage to the side of the turnout from under the bench would also be welcome (its easy to hide a slit, but not the full machine).
Of course, any ideas yall may have in regards to a different setup entirely would be extremely welcome. Anything that gets the mind exploring alternatives.
But surface mount isnt a viable option on an N scale layout. even 1.5" on N scale is “large”, especially when the layout is already landscaped. I could get away with hiding it in maybe 1 or 2 places, but certainly not 20.
I guess I could have the hole in the benchwork “remote” (like offset half an inch from the turnout bar) which would be a pretty easy “trench” to cover, or even lay the pushrod above the tabletop and cover it with shrubs. hmm
I understand, i was just saying that is how I am going to use that product. There are lots of ways to drill a hole next to the throw bar and hook up undermount switch machines.
My undermount switch machines in visible areas will be Tortoise machines because I already have them.
have you considered using longish wires embeded in a cut in the benchtop that can be curved to angle parallel with the throw tie and using ground throws or slide switches near the fascia for controlling them
Theres no real place to put anything above the benchwork, but there is a LOT of toom under the benches. I was thinking perhaps I could use an old RC plane technique of running piano wire inside a plastic / poly “sleeve” that can pretty much curve (gently) in many directions on the same “stroke”. you can then actually paint the sleeve to look like concrete or steel pipes that are exposed. just need 2 guys leaning on shovels and an apprentice actually digging with one to be convincing.
I’m in HO, and can’t say I know much about N scale to know what throw length you need. But I have always hooked up switch machines with some sort of spring to allow for that.
That is the whole point of the wire with under layout mounting, the wire moves more than required and acts as a self adjusting spring.
Just spoke to Seth from MTB and he said that most people are using the default 6mm throw for N and HO with no problems (thats a lot of “spring” in the connection). Just awaiting a response to the ability to offset them to just outside the ties of the turnout and connect to the end of the throw bar. Will advise.
