HELP!!! Well I manged to run into a roadblock: I wanted to use the Tortose Slow-Mo switch machines for my layout but don’t think it is possible. Here is the Problem: I FINALLY found a home for my Bayou Interchange & Yard which is 14’ x 3’ switching layout, but to do so it is going to have to be hinged to my bedroom wall – not a problem so far (have not got that far YET but see no problem at this time) – since the BI&Y will be blocking my closet door. In order for me to gain access to my closet, the layout will HAVE to thus fold FLAT against the wall which will allow the closet door to open ( as well as a walkway into and out of the closet). In order to make the layout sturdy – but as light as possible – I used 1"x 2 " (really 3/4" x 1-1/2") framing , and therein lays the problem. I really would like to use a SLOW-MO switch machine that goes UNDER the layout but know of no such creatures, excpt for maybe ATLAS track, which I’m not using. The alternative is to use the tried and true good ol’ twin coil switch machine, but that is not optimal, but may be my only choice. BTW all my track work – including the turnouts – is code 83 track by Walther/Shinohara.
Does ANYONE know of any SHALLOW, Slow-Mo swich machines that would fit an Under the Layout Mounting with Walthers/Shinohara Turnouts?? If not I’m doomed to use Twin Coil Switch machines.
What’s your top surface on this 1x2 framing? And how thick is it? If you used 2" foam you can mount the Tortoise under the track but from the top, like I did. Although with only 1x2’s there might still be some protrusion.
You can also mount the Tortoises on their sides and create a linkage, but again with 1x2’s they will stick out some. Remote mounting with a linkage for those that interfere with the closet door swing is probably your best bet.
Micro-Mark lists a new slow-motion machine in their catalog but I’ve never seen one before and I don’t know how good they are. Or how small they are. It doesn’t appear they have any contacts like the Tortoise, and they certainly are no cheaper.
ATLAS makes an under the table switch machine but is a twin coil like there regular ones,it only takes about an 1/4" space.A little hard to aline through.
I have no idea how WIDE the Tortoise is. The subroadbed is roughly as remember 1/3" plywood, and the roadbed is 1/2" Homosote. I thought about foam at the time I started this project ( 8 years ago - I live on SSDI, and bult it on nickles and dimes) but at the times I was not certain how well foam would stand up under the heat and dryness of Tucson, AZ. So I stuck with the tried and true plywood and Homosote. Even mounted on its side I fear that the Tortoise is WIDER than 1-12" – at least that is the way it looks from the pictures I have seen. Th e problem is that the lawout will have to fold FLAT against the wall so that I can open the closet door. Will see if I can dig up info on MiocroMark “switch machines” (??)
Bobcat
Electronics/controls
Switch Tender switch machine. For under-layout mounting. Features 12V DC gearmotor with modeler-installed linkage. For use with all scales. Includes motor, mounting bracket, linkage, hardware, and wiring diagrams. $15.95. Micro-Mark
It’s in the New Products Releases section of the Model Railroader website and it even has a picture.
I don’t know if they’re still available but I used an old PFM switch machine in one spot where I didn’t have much clearance and needed a low profile motor. It works well, though it is noisy. It only protrudes about an inch below the plywood.
I used Switchmasters everywhere else, which are pretty quiet, but those stick down about 3".
Can you use wire linkage and mount the switches sideways at the inner or outer edge of the board? For that matter can you use mechanical actuators out the front edge connected to rod actuators. It might be time to think outside the shelf. J.R.
Circuitron makes remote activators for the Tortoise that take up very little room directly underneath the turnout, but allow you to locate the switch motor where you can easily access it. I don’t remember the part number but there are actually two types, one for vertical movement (semaphores and train-order signals) and one for horizontal movement (turnouts). Both operate on tiny “choke cables” and can be up to about 18" away from the turnout. Your hobby shop should have them in stock.
Actually, I just saw an add in MR for Aspen Models switch machines. They are less than an inch tall and would be ideal. I am planning a double deck layout and these will be perfect for helping me keep the upper deck as thin as possible.