I have built my layout with WS 4" risers that have worked great so far, but I'm almost ready to start installing the tortoise switches and have realized that it's going to be a PIA to install them the way they intend (since I've already laid plaster cloth over most of the layout.) Does anybody have any experience with installing them under 4.5-5" of foam? I'm wondering how they will perform with a 5" extension piece of wire for the switching mechanism.
Thanks for any assistance,
Skip
Greetings Skip,
This is not my idea, I wish I could remember where I read or saw thisso I could credit it properly:
Mark the location of the switch and then on the top of the riser then mark the location of the switch machine. The foam is then removed. In the example ALL of the foam was removed but I guess a "pocket" would work for stacked up risers. The switch machine is then mounted to a board which is the same width as the riser but longer then the opening. Notches are then cut out of the top of the riser for the board to sit on and is glued in place. The switch machine is then accessed from under the table.
I do not know you layout so this below is just a thought for adding the machines
As you have already added the plaster cloth you will have to do some surgery to remove the cloth in the areas where your machines will be placed. Remove your paper "pillows" Add the machines and then replace the paper and repair the cloth. While the hole is still open maybe drill a small location hole in the bottom of the table so that after the plaster has set you can use a hole saw to make an opeing in the bottom of the table. Remove the paper around the machines so your hand and a screw driver can get to and remove the machine.
I sure there are some other ways to do this too.
Christopher
On my last layout, I just put the switch machine next to the foam risers, under the scenery, rather than under the track. The switch machine was screwed down to the plywood. I used a homemade wire linkage and it worked fine. I had a small piece of removable scenery over the switch machine. Once the WS risers are glued down, they don't move around.