I am wondering if anyone has Tortoise switch machines mounted with this much foam. I have several machines that work fine on 2’ foam and 3/4" plywood. I have increased the size of the wire and am very happy with how they opperate.
My problem is now I want to add a logging camp on a hill going into my coal tipple. I thought I would be able to switch everything manualy but after putting down the track the reach to the switches would be quite a stretch.
Has anyone ran into this problem and if so what is the best solution?
I did that on my previous layout and it worked great. Drop in from the top.
This time, I am using servos. ANd I have 4" of foam plus 1/4" plywood plus cork roadbed. The servos mount like a Tortoise, even having a fulcrum hole that the wire pivots in, just like a Tortoise. I used .032 piano wire, and it works FINE through the 4" of foam plus. I suspect a Tortoise will be fine as well.
Ditto the “Chris Method”. Mount the machines on a square of 0.060" styrene and use a Trippi hotwire tool to cut the slots into 2" foam and then hot glue in place. Actually like it better than crawling under and mounting on plywood over my head.
We have a section on our HO scale club layout where one track is elevated 6 inches, and there is a turnout in that section. I cut a hole in the foam large enough for the Tortoise switch motor and fastened it directly to the bottom of the turnout with heavy duty double-sided foam tape. It has been in place for three years or more with no problems. If the tape ever does separate, it will be fairly easy to remove the turnout and replace the tape.
I may not have made myself very clear. I am dealing with 4 inches of foam and 3/4" of plywood. I can see cutting out a hole in 2" foam like you said and still being able to get to the Tortoise connectors but if you have 4 inches how do you run the wires to the Tortoise machine.
I am going by the LHS tomorrow to pick up a Tortoise machine and try and run a heavy guage wire up from the bottom to see if that will work.
I am SURE it will work from the bottom. Don’t go overboard on the wire, unless you have Peco turnouts with the springs still in them, it takes pretty much force to move those. If the points are free-moving, .032 wire should be plenty.