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Peco switch machine hole patch

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  • Member since
    November 2022
  • 11 posts
Peco switch machine hole patch
Posted by PDizzel on Friday, July 5, 2024 5:01 PM

I model in N scale.  I want to attach Peco switch machines directly beneath Peco turnouts, using the metal tabs on the switch machines.  This requires cutting a 40mm x 24mm hole in the cork roadbed and the 1/2" plywood roadbed under the turnout.  Is there a good way to patch this hole after installation of the switch machines, for aesthetic and ballasting purposes?

i know I can avoid cutting the hole by using an extended pin switch motor, but for a number of reasons, I want to use the metal tabs instead.

Many thanks for any suggestions on the patch!

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • 89 posts
Posted by trevorsmith3489 on Saturday, July 6, 2024 2:56 AM

I use thin black plasticard.

Turn the turnout upside down and cut the plasticard to fit around the motor and large enough to cover the hole in the roadbed/cork.

 

 

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,249 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Saturday, July 6, 2024 3:44 AM
 
In HO scale, we use a single layer of masking tape. 
Smile

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Saturday, July 6, 2024 6:48 AM

Or, a piece of 0.10" styrene sheet.

I do that when I drill holes in my plywood surface to feed resistored LED wires through the plywood, then fit styrene sheet over the hole so that the signal post does not fall through the hole.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Saturday, July 6, 2024 8:57 AM

How about simple Modelling clay in grey????

Just a thought!

Take Care! Smile, Wink & Grin

Frank

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Saturday, July 6, 2024 11:55 AM

I model in HO and I typically use a piece of thin cardboard painted gray to match the surrounding ballast.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
  • 542 posts
Posted by Tophias on Saturday, July 6, 2024 12:50 PM

I did exactly as Mr. Beasley.  I marked the card stock to where the pin from the motor and the four tabs are located and made appropriate cuts, then placed the card stock between the motor and turnout. Easy peasey.

Regards, Chris 

  • Member since
    November 2022
  • 11 posts
Posted by PDizzel on Saturday, July 6, 2024 10:08 PM

trevorsmith3489

I use thin black plasticard.

Turn the turnout upside down and cut the plasticard to fit around the motor and large enough to cover the hole in the roadbed/cork.

 

 

 

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