Turnout question

[Anonymous]

Will the under table mount turnout switches work with 1/4 inch plywood table top with 2 inch styrafoam layed on top of it.

[Anonymous]

To some extent it depends on what type of switch machine you are using. But I dont think there are any stock switch machines that reach through 2 1/4 inches. However, all is not lost. It would be very simple to extend the throw with either styrene or stiff wire.

[chateauricher]

It depends on the turn-out machines you're using.

Tortoise machines are slightly more than 2" tall, so they will stick through the bottom of your benchwork requiring a hole in your plywood.

Atlas and Peco machines are about 1" tall or less and won't extend below your foam.

[Anonymous]

In some cases it is easy to cut some of the foam from under the turnout. Mount the turnout machine on a piece of thin wood or styrene. Glue this in place under the turnout. this makes a good solid base and puts is at the right depth. making adjustments are easier to do with a solid backer.

[cacole]

You can easily substitute the rod that comes with a Tortoise switch motor to make it longer using a piece of piano wire, which can be purchased at most Ace Hardware or similar stores.

I have used piano wire up to 5 inches long on some Tortoise machines and they still function perfectly.