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Turnout control on foam layout
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I'm in the midst of building a layout with 2" foam now. How to mount the tortoises was a major issue when making the choice. <br /> <br />Fundamentally, there's no problem using a Tortoise. You just need to get a longer wire than what they provide (and the instructions actually even say this). Generally you'll want it to be a hair thicker than what comes with them too. <br /> <br />As to mounting them, Don Z and Darrell's solutions both work. Personally, I laid 1/4" plywood on my benchwork, with the foam over that, specifically so I would have a mountable surface on the underside... <br /> <br />If you're too late for that, I'd suggest the "glue a piece of 1/4" plywood under the turnout" solution. I'd never thought of mortising the foam out, but it's a darn good idea. That would avoid the whole "need a longer wire" issue... <br /> <br />The "drop in from the top" solution works, but is far harder to deal with if you ever need to adjust, change, rewire or otherwise mess with your tortoise machine. They're very reliable, but it's still a risk. What if you want to access the built in SPDT switch contacts for signaling later on? Now you're either trying to work up through a little hole in the foam, or you're pulling up your turnout to get at the tortoise...
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