Peco Switch machines

[Anonymous]

Does any one using them have a picture of one I could see and explain how it works and is attached whenused as a drop in in the foam as opposed to under the table attachment

Thanks, DONNNNN

[rrinker]

No pictures, but they clip on to the bottom of the turnout itself. So to install in foam, you just have to dig out a rectangular space under that part of the turnout (leave a little air space - don't just make a snug fit). You will need to attach wires and poke them down as you drop the turnout into place. Should be pretty straightforward.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

Yes, the 4 little tabs go into the 4 small holes on the switch, it is easier to attach when the switch is off the table,

[MichaelWD]

Someone pointed out that you need to do somrthing with the ties. They suggested you put a piece of tape or thin plastic between the switch machine and the turnout to keep the ballast from falling thru the ties. Never thought about that before, thank God mine are on the staging yard
Mike Dickinson

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the information. I* meant to also ask if they are the snap machines or slow motion!

Thanks, DON

[rrinker]

They are solenoid snap-action machines.

--Randy

[MisterBeasley]

I've just installed my first 2 of these. I'll admit to being a total novice, having last layed track as a teenager when Lyndon Johnson was in the White House.

I first soldered wires to the switch machine, before I even attached it to the turnout. After I attached it to the turnout, I tested both sides of the machine by applying power to the wires. No problems, but it's easier to find them now than after the turnout is glued down.

I cut a block all the way down through the WS roadbed and 2-inch pink foam. (I'm not using plywood, so that's all there is.) The block was the width of the machine, and I added an extra half-inch on one side in the along-the-track direction. This allows me to drop the assembled turnout in and then slide it forward to connect with the rail joiners. It's only a bit more convenient for laying the initial track, but if I ever have to pull this turnout for maintenance, I'm sure it will be a lot easier. Before I ballast, I'll notch the block I cut out and then stick it in from the bottom.

The tape seems like a good idea. I wi***his post had come along before I glued the turnouts down, but I'll remember it next time. I'll just have to be careful with the glue and ballast on these.

[Anonymous]

I have a lot of Peco switches on my layout. My subroadbed is plywood. I use the ^^hole on the subroadbed ^^ method only in switches beeing out of sight, since is very unrealistic ( and complicated with ballast to) Normally I cut a piece of wood of aprox 4 cm by 8 cm and 1cm width. I make a hole of 1 cm diameter and attach the swich machine to the piece of wood using small screws To do so, I need to bend the legs normally used to attach the switch machines in the ^^ hole on the subroadbed method^^. The drive pin goes trhu the hole At this moment I solder the wires to the
machine. Then I make another 1 cm diameter hole on the subroadbed and the roadbed, pass the drive pin terhu it and thru the small hole in the tie bar. Last step is to attach the piece of wood to the subroadbed with a pair of screws.
Sorry for using centimeters, but I live in a country with metric system. 2.5 cm are equal to 1 inch
Guillermo

[Anonymous]

Thanks everybody for your comments!

DON