under table switch with 2" foam

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

i want to use them but i have some 2" foam on the table under the cork then the track on top, can i use the under table switch or do i have to do something else plz help

thanks

jason

2

I faced the same problem on one section of my layout and solved it by cutting out a rectangular section of foam under the turnout and replacing it with a 1/2 piece of plywood of the same size and shape. The plywood section was slightly larger than the opening so it could be wedged into place as well as being held with a foam friendly adhesive. It has held up well over four years. I couldn’t figure any way to mount switch maching to the foam and even if I could, I would have needed a long pin to reach the throwbar.

3

This breaks down to two separate problems:

  1. How do you anchor the switch machine to foam?
  2. How do you transfer motion from the machine to the points?

The second one is the easy one (surprise!) Use an Anderson link. Drill a narrow hole through the foam about 1/2 inch away from a conveniently-located hole in the point throw bar and line it with a metal tube. Bend a piece of moderately stiff wire at one end, to fit from the tube to the throwbar. At the bottom of the tube (which should extend about 1/4 inch below the bottom of the subgrade,) bend the wire to connect to the switch machine through a flexible link. On material somewhat thinner, I use straightened paper clips.

How you anchor the machine will be influenced by the type of machine. Tortoises have been stuck on with velcro. The antique twin-coil machines I use have to be screwed or bolted to something solid. Since my mounting method brings the machines out to the edge of the table (connected by fishing line) I don’t have the problem.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

4

Other possible choices:

  1. Use a Peco turnout where the motor mounts directly to the bottom of the turnout, and just cut out the space where the motor will be.

  2. Purchase one of the Flea turnouts with DCC decoder and motor built in, if you’re going to be using DCC.

  3. Use a Peco turnout without a motor and throw it by hand if it is going to be within easy reach.

5

well actually i was thinking about buying these from this guy what do you think?

http://cgi.ebay.com/HO-10-RIGHT-TURNOUT-CODE-83-RAIL-FAST-TRACK-H-O-SWITCH_W0QQitemZ310028202037QQihZ021QQcategoryZ19142QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem