Good Morning everyone,
I have a hollow door 80 X 36 X 1 3/8 thick with a 1 1/2 thick piece of foam glued to the top. I am using Atlas code 80 flex track and switches.
Is there a switch machine for these switches that will work from underneath? The Atlas switch machine has a 1 1/4 tall plastic needle that connects to the switch. This is not tall enough to penetrate the door and the foam.
Any help would be appreciated!
You could try Torroise machines http://circuitron.com/index_files/Tortoise.htm, and also Switchmaster http://www.builders-in-scale.com/bis/sm-home.html. I like Switchmasters for use with thick substrates (like your hollow-core door).
You might also try The Switch Tender from Micro Mark. I use them and like them very much.
Paul
How many of these do you have, and what’s your budget? While Tortoise machines are the “gold standard” for many of us, they are a bit pricey. Take a look at the Freemo-N construction threads by McFunkyMonkey here. He uses Bullfrog mechanical systems for his N-scale modules.
The Tortoise machines will need longer throw wires, but you can pick that up at the hardware store for a couple of dollars. Look for “music wire” or “piano wire.” Make sure you have a good solid pair of lineman’s pliers or wire cutters to bend and cut the wire. The small needle-nose pliers you use for your model wiring aren’t going to do the job, and by no means should you ruin your Xuron rail nippers by trying to cut music wire.
Tortoises do have built-in contact closures for power frogs or driving signals. If you need that anyway, it’s built in. It’s a DPDT toggle, effectively. The Bullfrog has a single (SPDT) contact closure.