What is the thickest roadbed that you have mounted Tortoise switch machines?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

No poll here really but I am looking for the thickest roadbed that you have installed a Circuitron Tortoise switch machine and what size hole did you drill under the turnout for the brass rod that goes through the roadbed.

Has anybody mounted one under/through 1-5/8” inches or more? If so, what size hole did you drill?

2

i’ve mounted them under 2" of foam mounted on alayer of luan. I bought some piano wire to make a longer rod. I made a half inch hole in the luan and then i made a smaller hole in the foam and widened it out until I was happy with the action of the switch, easy to do in foam.

3

I’ve mounted them on the bottom of a hollow core door with 1" of sound board and cork roadbed on top of the door, by drilling a 2/8 to 3/8 inch hole and using a piece of piano wire instead of the one that comes with the tortoise.

4

Thanks for the replies. I now have the confidence to mount the switch machines in the 1-1/2" plywood.

BC