I need switch machine for turnouts that are 4-5 inches off of plywood base. They are on foam risers. Are any(switchmaster or tortise or other) ready right out of the box to handle this length??( I need a rod of 4-5 inch lenght).
Any advice or suggestions!!
Thanks,
PJ
Tortoises are NOT ready for that out of the box, nor do I think you’ll find any that are.
Tortoise instructions note ho to handle “deeper” throws by getting thicker throw wire and using a pin-vise to slightly increase the size of the throw-arm hole.
4-5" is pretty extreme in my book, and I don’t have experience with anything more than about 2.5." If there’s any possible way, I’d suggest you reduce the height of your throw wire rather than extend one that long… There’s a physical limit here - you can only use wire so big before it’s diameter would necessitate a bigger hole than the throwarm can support… Hopefully someone here will have more definitive information for you about a throw of that length.
tortoise machines are good but you’re going to have to put in new throw rods, I used the spring steel you can get at a good LHS …i used the .039 but i believe you can go as thick as .043…cut them longer than the stock rod and use the template provided with the tortoise for bending the rod into the template’s shape with needle nosed pliers…i cut them to length with a dremel tool cut off wheel…cut them longer than you normally would and once they are thru the point throw tie use a pair of dikes to cut them off even with the tie…don’t use the dremel tool cut off wheel to remove the excessive rod, it gets too hot and will melt the plastic tie…(learned that one the hard way)…chuck
I noticed that some people like “carving holes” into the foam board for the switch machine. With 4"->5" this might be your best option.
Try this link:
http://www.pbase.com/tracktime/norcalf
~D
I use Switchmasters and like them because you only need to drill a hole rather than cut a slot. The supplied linkage would probably be too short, however it would be a simple matter of buying some steel wire and brass tubing and fabricating a new linkage. You could make it as long as you needed this way. It’s basically just a crank, so it doesn’t really matter how long the shaft is.
Micro Mark tools sells one that looks like you can put a really long throw on it. I don’t know what brand it is.
SOLUTION: The RIX RAX 2 's will solve your problem. they are for either Switchmaster or American Sw. & Signal, Hankscraft motors.
PROBLEM is item is no longer cataloged. (Does Rick still have any around?)
Tortoise makes a Remote Mount that permits placing the machine up to 18 inches from the turnout and in almost any position. Should solve your problem.
$10.50 VS $3.50 ?