Tortoise Switch Machine size

[Benjamin Maggi]

Just a couple of questions. Planning on installing these in the future on my N scale layout that uses Peco code 55 turnouts. I am about to build the benchwork and was going to use plywood ripped into 3.5 inch strips for the open grid. So...

1. How tall are the switch machines, and will they extend below the 3.5 inch benchwork? If so, would they extend below benchwork if I made it 4 inches wide?

2. Do I need to "deactivate" the spring in the peco turnouts when I install the tortoise machines, or can I use them both together?

3. For N scale, do you still need to drill a 1/2 inch hole under the points like in HO, or will a smaller size hole suffice? And if so, how big?

Thanks everyone for their help?[:)]

[rrinker]

They will just barely fit in 3.5" of space. I recently experimented with gluing a Tortoise to the underside of my foam top. The frame I have is made from 1x4's, nominally 3.5" in width, and the edge of the connector on the Tortoise is just above the lower edge of the frame when I lay a straightedge across it. If you carfully attach the wires to the little holes, then even the wires wouldn't protrude below the frame. If you plan on using edge card connectors then it would stick down too far. Don;t make the frame wider than 3.5", that's a waste of wood, plywood sawn insto strips is PLENTY strong at a 3.5" width. In fact I was considering using 1x3's instead of 1x4's on future expansion.

--Randy

[Benjamin Maggi]

Thanks for the info.

[spidge]

theres an option to mount the machine on its side to save space. it requires additional brackets but if you only have a few machines it would not be too expensive.go to the website and check it out.
yes, you have to cut the spring on the peco. the tortoise keeps presure on the points.