Installing Tortoise Switch Machines

There are many ways to install a Tortoise slow motion switch machine. In the several following pictures I will show how I discovered a new-to-me way. I don’t think I’ve seen it done this way exactly. I used to drill the hole where the throw bar would go then from underneath try to line things up but it was hard and didn’t always work great. With this technique I line things up on the top, drill holes from the top and then when I’m under the layout it goes very quickly and it’s super easy. I did these three in about an hour whereas before it would take more than an hour for just one and be a real pain. It seems so easy now that they are a breeze to do.

Click on the image to see it larger.

Using a Tortoise drilling template I line up where the throw bar will be and mark where the mounting holes will go.
Using those holes I draw an outline around the switch machine. When dropping feeder wires I need to know where to avoid drilling.
From the TOP I drill very small holes all the way through. These will be covered when scenery is done but from below they become the pilot holes for #6 1/2″ screws. At this time I also drill the hole for the throw bar.
From underneath I place two of the #6 screws about halfway in.
I use a heavier wire than comes with the Tortoise and install it longer than needed. Then I feed it from the bottom through the hole in the throw rod. I push the Tortoise into those two screws and line up and install the remaining two screws and snug all four screws. Not too tight, just snug.
Here you can see three installed quickly without fuss. Using jumper wires I did a quick test and all works perfectly!
This especially works well in tight spots. Instead of directly below the center, it’s offset because of the position of the joists underneath.
The turnouts are in and ready for operation!
All wired and operational! It took 3 times as long to wire everything than to install the Tortoises.
The additional ties are filled in with strip wood cut to size and held in place with a little wood glue. They don’t need to be glued to the rail because they are just for looks, the pc ties hold everything in place.

I really can’t believe how easy it is to install them this way. It feels like I’m cheating because it’s so easy compared to how I used to do it!