Under Table Switch Machine Installation

[arp22]

New to switch machines and need advice on installation. I have Atlas N scale code 80 Customline switches which must use the side holes on the throw bar to attach to the switch machine as you cannot drill through the center of the throw bar. Having trouble visualizing how to hide the required 3/8" hole drilled through roadbed and how do you keep it clear of debris. Also, how do you drill a 3/8" hole through cork or Woodlands Scenic foam roadbed without tearing it up? 

[ndbprr]

As far as the cork and roadbed try running the drill in reverse with gentle force. I don't understand why you can't drill through the center of the throw bar. Very hard to make a 3/8" hole if the turnout is already in place

[York1]

arp22

I have Atlas N scale code 80 Customline switches which must use the side holes on the throw bar to attach to the switch machine as you cannot drill through the center of the throw bar.

 

I had the same issue -- it's nearly impossible to drill a hole in the center of the N Scale Atlas switch.

I, too, wondered about the hole on the side of the track.  I went ahead and did it, and there was not much problem.  Once I got the switch working, I narrowed the hole to just a slit that the link moved in.  Once it was ballasted, you can barely see it.

Good luck.

 

[richhotrain]

arp22

Also, how do you drill a 3/8" hole through cork or Woodlands Scenic foam roadbed without tearing it up?  

I have installed Tortoises under the layout, using Woodland Scenics Foam Track Bed on my old layout and cork on my new layout. I use a 5/8" spade drill bit to drill the hole in the plywood surface on my HO scale layout, as opposed to a 3/8" hole on your N scale layout.

However, I do not drill through the foam or cork surface. Rather, I mark the point where the piano wire will extend up through the plywood surface and then I use a boxcutter to cut a square in the foam or cork 5/8" x 5/8" with the piano wire mark in the middle. That is my reference point for drilling through the plywood.

Rich

[York1]

ndbprr

I don't understand why you can't drill through the center of the throw bar.

Atlas N Scale throw bars between the rails sit on another piece of stationary plastic that holds the two parts together.  You can't drill through that part of the throw bar without ruining the plastic part below.