Tortoise switch machine

[Anonymous]

I am in the process of constructing a new layout, and I plan to use under the table switches (Tortoise) on the backside of the table where hand thrown switches would not be easily reached. My layout is built on 1/4'' plywood with 3" of styrofoam board on top. I know that a longer piece of piano wire can be used to make the switch reach, however, right now I don't have the funds to purchase my switches but I want to go ahead and lay my track.
What prework should I do so that when I come back later to install my switches it will be easy. I guess I'm wondering what size hole I should drill for the throw? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Will

[mikebonellisr]

31/4 inches seems pretty thick...you may want to buy 1 tortise and make a mock-up.I think I would start with a 1/2 in. hole. You may also have to elongate it.

[Anonymous]

Mike,
Thanks for the suggestion, I know that the layout seems thick, but this was the only way I knew how to make a deep river bed. I'm new to the styrofoam as well, in the past all my layouts have been strickly mounted on 1/4" plywood, which allowed for elevation but not much else.
Will

[mikebonellisr]

You may have to mortise out the styrofoam,glue in a piece of plywood,mount the tortoise to that ....not much fun and a problem to adjust.

[Anonymous]

The styrofoam does not have to be that thick everywhere. Also, mortising out a notch for the Tortoise might not be too hard if the 3" styrofoam is made up of 1" or 0.5" layers.

Andrew

[Anonymous]

Will,
I think the idea of mortising out a notch for the Tortoise and gluing a piece of wood in place to support the Tortoise is the way to go. You should try to keep the depth of the Tortoise around the 1" mark. For the hole, I've found that two 5/16" or 3/8" holes side by side and parallel to the throw bar works better that just one round hole.