Layouts and layout building

I am retrofitting my n scale layout with Tortoise machines and everything has gone well so far.....but.....I've run into a small problem.....there is a structural member that cannot be removed, cut or changed that interfers with the Tortoise placement....on the fulcrum there are three guide holes......it looks as if I can use one of the outside guide holes on the fulcrum....is the a wise thing to do?....pros and cons?......your advice and guidance will be appreciated.

 Sam

weinschenksk wrote:

I am retrofitting my n scale layout with Tortoise machines and everything has gone well so far.....but.....I've run into a small problem.....there is a structural member that cannot be removed, cut or changed that interfers with the Tortoise placement....on the fulcrum there are three guide holes......it looks as if I can use one of the outside guide holes on the fulcrum....is the a wise thing to do?....pros and cons?......your advice and guidance will be appreciated.  Sam

Don't overlook mounting the tortise somewhere 'close' to where it needs to be and using a link to operate the points. If you can get even a half inch hole through the obstruction, you could set up a pivot running from the tortise to the points. If need be, I can draw it out for you. I've even seen them mounted on Top of the benchwork hidden by large (in N scale) buildings. 

rolleiman,

Thanks doe the quick response.....and, when you have time, I'll take you upn your offer to 'draw it out'....that would help me a lot.

 Thanks again,

 Sam

Sam,

Here you go.. (click to enlarge drawing)

With this arrangement, I would try and center the point (as I've tried to show) where the linkage goes through the crossmember. A brass tube inside that hole will help eliminate wear on the wood. Piano wire about the size they supply with the tortise shold be used to maintain some springyness. Perhaps a little thicker. You may have to experiement with different locations (up or down) for the cross point to get one that works right. This is only an idea of mine, I've never actually tried it.

Good luck..  

Edit: Now that I've thought about it for a minute, you probably want the fulcrum higher to minimize the throw on the other end of the link. Just like if you were installing the tortise normally.  I forgot you are doing N scale so you really don't need that much movement on the point end.

They have remote mounting adapters.

http://www.circuitron.com/index_files/Tortoise.htm

Thanks to each of you for your repsonse.....the linkage works for my layout.....I did not need a long linkage so it works fine......

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