I will soon be starting a new HO layout and have a question about switching machines for under the table. How thick can the foam be under the switches and are there differences between manual and electric machines. This is my first and don't think it would be practical to use manual throws for all the switches. As this is my first it will be all on the same level.
What kind of machines? Granted, I'm old school, but I've always used Tenshodo or Kemtron machines under the layout with brass tube and rod through board links, with brass tabs soldered top and bottom. Dave
I've got a number of Tortoise machines mounted beneath my layout. It's 2 inches of foam and a quarter-inch of roadbed from the track. I used a thicker wire, as recommended in the instructions, and they work fine. Another inch or two of foam would probably still be OK. The limiting factor here is how long the lever arm (the wire) gets relative to the shorter section on the machine. If the wire gets too long, even the slow motion of the machine will translate to a fast flip for the turnout, which defeats one of the nice qualities of the Tortoise. Atlas under-table machines have a 1-inch plastic bar. They are designed for 3/4 inches of plywood and 1/4 inch of roadbed, nothing more. Some people have reported bad results trying to extend the bar to get through a deeper base. Electric switch machines like these are driven by power delivered through wires and controlled (generally) by toggle switches on a control panel. The control can be any reasonable distance from the turnout. Bullfrog, Humpyard and some other are manual machines, generally controlled by a speedometer cable or similar mechanic linkage to a knob on the fascia. These control knobs are limited to a few feet from the turnout.
I'm considering Blue Point machines if the control rod can reach 5 feet electircal controled if not. Initially it will be a 4x8 layout using Atlas code 88 and latter a storage wing that I could use Cabbose Ind. ground throughs. Those are my thoughts.
http://www.ppw-aline.com/Blue_Point_Manual_Turnout_Control.htm "We've also had a number of questions about using the Blue Points™ under 2" thick foam. The simple answer is yes, they work great. The tension and throw adjustment slider provides more than enough range to handle long runs of spring wire. We include .032" diameter spring steel wire with the product, which is quite rigid. You can also slip a brass tube over wire that extends through the foam to provide more power at the throw bar, if needed."
I've been experimenting/comparing, BluePoint vs Tortoise.. both are very good; both have a DPDT switch built in (frogs, signals, etc).. I'm converting completely to Tortoise (mainline and sidings.. ground-thows for spurs), because they're a bit more versatile, durable, and when you add ~$10 per BluePoint for the control hardware, the Tortoise ends up being a tad more economical, too. I've got a Tortoise working through almost 3" of "stuff" (5/8 OSB / 2" foam / 1/4" cork) (see photo).. And where it's beyond 3", you can carefully measure/cut and "burry" a Tortoise, in foam... (see photo).. Here's a link to my latest album.. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/album.php?albumid=1744
I am still mystified why some would choose Torti over servo control. I suppose part of it is because they have been around for so long, but geez.... even with controllers after you go over about 4 installs, you are saving money over torti and they are more flexible, take up less room (helpful in narrow spaces) and modular(no soldering required depending on your choice of hardware).
I'm with ken, I prefer the ground throws much more compared to switch machines. CTC layouts are nice, great and wonderfull, but manual turnouts and timetable/train order I find to be much more challenging to crews.
I have installed servos for turnout control through up to 6 inches of plywood, foam, and scenery. I use a bellcrank-type actuator. The system is easy to install and does not require great precision in the placement of the servo. I drive the servos with Tam Valley Depot Quad boards. - Jeff
