My Tortoises work up thru 2" foam laid atop 3/8" plywood. I used the next thicker size of piano wire to make the longer spring wires. Drill out the hole on the tortoise to accept the thicker wire. I had to remove the overcenter springs in the Peco turnouts, they were so stiff that the Tortoise could not move the points against spring pressure.
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
The long thats needed just increase the diameter of wire and if need be remove the spring in the turnout if its a peco or at least weaken it by strecthing it open.
Lynn
Present Layout progress
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/p/290127/3372174.aspx#3372174
Hi,
While I do not know the maximum length, I have several tortoises below 2" foam and 3/8" plywood that work just fine. I did upgrade the wire to .039" diameter. Never had a problem.
Karl
The mind is like a parachute. It works better when it's open. www.stremy.net
What is the maximum length of spring wire that can be used on a tortise switch machine? I have 1/2" plywood with 1" foam on top, but in some areas it's 2" of foam.