Ballasting around turnouts/switch machines

[blubryexp]

Okay,getting ready to mount Peco turnouts with switch machines onto a foam roadbed glued to 2" foamboard and in turn glued to 3/8" plywood.

1-Attach hook-up wires to switch machine of the desired length.

2-Mount switch machine to underside of turnout.

3-Carve out switch machine pocket in roadbed and foamboard then drill hole for hook-up wire.

4-Install(glue)turnout assembly on roadbed.

The result will be an open space under the turnout. I thought of a stiff paper-like cover installed between the turnout and the machine on which ballast could be carefully added later while avoiding interference with operation of the mechanism. 

I've followed previous posts on the subject of using and installing switch machines.Question-Is the cover an acceptable method or should the space be left open? Need suggestions on alternate methods.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[conagher]

Blue...I'm not sure what open space you'll have if you only carve out an area for the switch machine, connecting rod and slide plate.

The entire turnout has to be totally supported by the foam. Carefully carve out only what you need and make sure the turnout itself sits flat & level on the rest of the foam. Leave adequate space for a smooth operation of the connecting rod assembly. 

You can "hide" gaps by painting the area under the turnout black or the predominate color of the ballast. 

Does that answer your question or did I aim in the wrong direction??

[blubryexp]

Thanks for the feedback! Yes,I carved out a pocket in the foam only slightly larger than the size of the switch machine. The rest of the turnout is supported by the foam. The open area I was referring to is the area of the pocket under the turnout where I started thinking about how this area could be or should not be ballast-ed(because of the connecting rod assembly as you said). I wanted to get some suggestions from more experienced modelers than myself (1st layout) before I start installing a group of turnouts/machines(only carved out one pocket as a test). The progress I've made is only due to the wealth of information from these forums. BTW,I did paint the pocket black. Ooops,will paint it the ballast color.

Suncook Valley Railroad

[MisterBeasley]

I've used a thin piece of cardboard with a layer of duct tape between the turnout and the machine.  Then I cut a hole all the way through the roadbed and foam.  (I use foam only, no plywood.)  The cover blocks the hole from view, but the hole provides ventilation to the machine.

[conagher]

BTW,I did paint the pocket black. Ooops,will paint it the ballast color.

Suncook Valley Railroad

 

For as long as those New Hampshire winters are, perhaps you should paint the area white

I'm glad my comments provided some help. And I think MisterBeasley has a good idea.

[blubryexp]

Been away. Will take MisterBeasley's advice. It will be autumn scenery. You gave me an idea though. I'll put a plow on a siding as winter follows autumn. 

[letsgored]

blurbryexp,

I'm using Peco track (n scale) with the Peco switch motors attached directly to the underside of the track. I believe this what you are doing as well. My *plan* (I have laid the cork roadbed and cut out the holes for the motors, but have not yet laid the track down) is to put a thin retangle of styrene between the motor and track. I've already made a template and cut a few out. It has four holes just big enough to let the mounting points of the motor to go through so the motor can be attached to the track and a slit just wide enough and long enough to accomodate the rod's side-to-side range of motion.  I put extra cork to the right and left of the hole (this step might not be necessary for HO); laid down the styrene rectangle completely covers the motor hole (and a little glue could be used to "seal: it).  Thus the only opening is the small slit.  Before I install the styrene square I will probably paint it a color close to my intended ballast color, that way even if I put only a thin layer of ballast (which would probably be advisable since this is the area where the points move) it will hopefully somewhat blend in.  I'm not sure if I'm doing a good job of explaining this. If there is any interest, I can try to put up some photos of what I'm describing. Just remember that I haven't yet put this plan fully to work, so I can't say how well it will turn out. (sorry for the pun)