How do you connect a tortouis switch machine to a atlas custom line turnout.

[Anonymous]

I have bought three no 6 custom line turnouts and I don't know how to connect the machine to the switch.

[Big_Boy_4005]

You are going to have to create some kind of linkage to transfer the motion from the Tortoise to the throwbar of the turnout. The Tortoise motion is an arm that moves from side to side, right? Are you mounting it under the table? Cranks work, a fulcrum would work, there are a number of methods. I like cranks made from piano wire. Using a brass tube set in the table, slide a chunk of piano wire down through the tube. The tube will need to be a small distance away from the throwbar near the ties. Bend the wire as necesary to fit the situation. It might take a couple of tries to get it right, but you'll get the hang of it quickly.

[jwmurrayjr]

The Atlas CS turnouts have a small hole at the center of the throwbar. Just mount the Tortoise per the instructions that come with the machine and it should work fine.

The exception is if your layout thickness is greater than 1" you may need to replace the spring wire with a longer wire.

[:)]