Under the Table Switch Machines and Foam Board

[KKEIFE]

Can anyone suggest a mehtod for installing under the table switch machines on a layout with foam as a base. Most switch machines (the Atlas ones anyway) can't be attached to the plywood below the foam as they won't "reach" far enough to get to the level of the track.

I'm looking for a good method without having to alter the switch machine itself.

Thanks.

[orsonroy]

You can add a longer choke cable to either Peco or Tortise switch machines. If you want to stick with Atlas switch machines, I'd suggest making a "sandwich" of 1/4" plywood, with the switch on one side and the machine on the other. Dig out a hole in the foam that the switch machine will sit in, and lay the track. It;s a bit of work, but probably the only way you'll be able to have hidden Atlas switch motors on a 2" foam layout.

[bcammack]

I think that I would dig out a rectangular, flat-bottomed hollow (slightly larger than the switch machine) in the underside of the foam to reduce the thickness of the foam and glue thin piece of that modeling plywood into it with liquid nails. After that I'd just bore my hole and mount the switch machine normally to the plywood.

[Anonymous]

I haven't done one myself, but I would probably try to fabricate something like a Rix Rax mounting bracket ( see Walthers part # 628-1) or some type of linkage. I've used Atlas undertable switch machines as is and find them to be difficult to adjust and stay adjusted. I don't like the plastic throw rod because it flexes too much. Especially if your using the full lentgh of the throw rod. Are you sure you don't want to use a ground throw or switch stand?

G.

[Anonymous]

Another way to use Atlas under the table machines is to use a hot wire to cut out the foam under the turnout. Measure carefully and include the height of the cork, if used, for the depth of the cutout. Mine turned out to be 1 3/4 inches cut out of 2" of foam. I used 1x2 wood with holes drilled out for the homemade wire form that was heated with a 6 volt battery charger. So far so good. On the other hand, the Atlas machines don't have much oomph and I'm looking for another machine. Shinora turnouts require pressure on the rails to maintain electrical contact and Atlas doesn't do the job very well.