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What is the thickest roadbed that you have mounted Tortoise switch machines?

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  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: US
  • 665 posts
What is the thickest roadbed that you have mounted Tortoise switch machines?
Posted by darth9x9 on Sunday, September 12, 2004 9:28 PM
No poll here really but I am looking for the thickest roadbed that you have installed a Circuitron Tortoise switch machine and what size hole did you drill under the turnout for the brass rod that goes through the roadbed.

Has anybody mounted one under/through 1-5/8” inches or more? If so, what size hole did you drill?

Bill Carl (modeling Chessie and predecessors from 1973-1983)
Member of Four County Society of Model Engineers
NCE DCC Master
Visit the FCSME at www.FCSME.org
Modular railroading at its best!
If it has an X in it, it sucks! And yes, I just had my modeler's license renewed last week!

  • Member since
    November 2001
  • From: US
  • 732 posts
Posted by Javern on Sunday, September 12, 2004 10:15 PM
i've mounted them under 2" of foam mounted on alayer of luan. I bought some piano wire to make a longer rod. I made a half inch hole in the luan and then i made a smaller hole in the foam and widened it out until I was happy with the action of the switch, easy to do in foam.
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Monday, September 13, 2004 11:02 AM
I've mounted them on the bottom of a hollow core door with 1" of sound board and cork roadbed on top of the door, by drilling a 2/8 to 3/8 inch hole and using a piece of piano wire instead of the one that comes with the tortoise.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: US
  • 665 posts
Posted by darth9x9 on Sunday, September 26, 2004 9:54 PM
Thanks for the replies. I now have the confidence to mount the switch machines in the 1-1/2" plywood.

BC

Bill Carl (modeling Chessie and predecessors from 1973-1983)
Member of Four County Society of Model Engineers
NCE DCC Master
Visit the FCSME at www.FCSME.org
Modular railroading at its best!
If it has an X in it, it sucks! And yes, I just had my modeler's license renewed last week!

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