These
methods allow you to mount the Tortoise switch machine under the sub roadbed at
the edge of the layout where adjustments of the throw are much easier than
under the layout. Method 1 is for
shorter distances and Method 2 uses a longer flexible set of sheath and rod
that can be obtained rather long and can have some curves in it to reach a
turnout that can’t be reached directly.
List of
Materials:
.039” or
smaller piano of music wire. If I want a
spring switch I would use say .025 wire instead
1/8” Brass
Rod or Tube e.g. K & S. I use tubes
mainly.
5/32”
Brass Tube for the Rod to rotate in.
3/16-1/4”
x .032 - .064” Brass strip. I have used
both thicknesses. Don’t go any lighter then .032
2-56
threaded at one end push rod. Available
in 12 and 30 inch lengths
2-56
threaded clevis e.g. Tower Hobby LXK077 (12)
Tower
Hobby LXFU90 Sullivan Flex Gold-N-Rod 36”.
Longer is available I believe. 2 sets include clevis and stud.
Ring
Connector none insulated type for #6 studs. This
is the smallest you can get. The hole in
the ring is suitable for the Tortoise Phillips Head screw.
Directions:
Cut the
brass strip about 1-1/2” long. Drill one
end with a 1/8” drill. Drill several
additional holes the size of the pin in the clevis which is about 1/16 or less. Cut a
piece or 1/8” rod or tube about 3 inches long.
Cut a piece of 5/16 tubing about a ½ inch longer. Clean up the cuts so the 1/8 slides smoothly
in the 5/16 tubing. Then as close to the
end of the 1/8 drill a hole with a #58 drill or small if you are using a
lighter piano wire. Then apply some
paste to the 1/8 bottom end and to the hole in the brass strip. Insert the 1/8 into the strip. Insert a short piece of piano wire in the
hole. Then align the tube parallel or at
90 degrees to the strip (depending on the position the turnout in relation to
the switch machine) and holding 1/8 as straight up and down as possible apply
solder to the parts. One helpful thing
is to drill a 1/8 hole about a 1/8 deep into a block of wood so the 1/8 piece
can go through the strip and beyond a bit. The piano wire helps with the
alignment.
Drill a
5/16 inch hole through the roadbed and sub roadbed between two ties from the
throw rod on the turnout. Insert the
5/16 tube to the top is flush with the top of the ties. Mount the switch machine under the
layout. Determine how long the push rod
or sheath and rod needs to be as close as possible and attach the Ring connector
to the none threaded end of the rod with paste and solder. Now thread a clevis about half way onto the
threaded end of the push rod or the stud if using method 2. Attach the clevis one of the holes in the
brass strip. I generally use the hole
the farthest from the tube, but you may have to change the hole depending on
the amount of pressure required to properly throw the turnout.
Now from
under the layout you can insert the 1/8 up into the 5/16 tube. While holding it in that position you should
be able to insert a piece of piano wire with a 90 degree bend into the 1/8 tube
and the other end the throw rod of the turnout.
Some turnouts a have to enlarge that hold slightly to fit the piano wire
I am using.
Check to
see how close you are with the ring connector to the hole in the switch machine
throw. Also is you center the switch
machine throw first and center the turnout points, you can screw the push rod
in or out to fine adjust the throw.
Insert the screw and tighten carefully but not tight. Apply power to the switch machine and make
additional adjustments. For 90 degree
situations you can also add Bell Cranks e.g. LXDCT6. I have done this in a couple of
situations. In one example I wanted all
the switch machines (4) in one location.
So to reach one turnout I set the switch machine 90 degrees, ran a push
rod parallel to the edge of the benchwork to a bell crank and then to the
turnout. Works great.
When using
the flexible method 2, secure the sheath several places e.g. drill a hole
through a girder or use “U” shaped electrical staples. I have the electrical staple gun for this.
Tomorrow I will post some photos of typical arrangements and uses.
