The Tortoise(TM) Switch Machine

I've had two Tortoise switch machines but was reluctant to install them because bracing under my N layout ran right under the turnouts, so there was no way to mount the machine as the pictures and instructions indicate. I finally did the job, and it was easy to modify the actuation to work. The turnout nearest the edge of the layout had to have the machine moved to the far side of the track. Without removing the track from the layout I dug a passage under the turnout beside the existing throw bar. I made another bar out of .025 music wire (same as comes with the kit). The new bar attached to the throw bar of the turnout with a twist and a little adhesive. It then ran under the track to the far side. I attached a thin aluminum plate to the end of this wire with epoxy and drilled a #60 (about 1 mm) hole. I mounted the Tortoise per instructions under the drilled hole in the new bar. The second turnout had interference directly under the track but room to mount the machine under the end of the regular throw bar, just to the side of the track. I drilled a 1 mm hole in this throw bar (with my Tamiya pin vise) and mounted Mr. Tortoise directly under that hole. Again I did not have to lift up existing track. The job was straight forward, and I was able to get rid of those ugly surface mounted switch magnetic motors. I filled the space where these motors were with HobbyLite filler and painted the area in preparation for flocking with static grass. I used two DPDT toggles on a metal box beside my throttle controls to activate the Tort. machines and LED dwarfs on this box and on the layout to indicate direction of the points. The Tortoise has two SPDT switches built in and LEDs without resistors can be put in series with the power leads to the Tortoise to power signals. If you mount the green and red LED in a dwarf signal in reverse parallel (plus to minus) and in series with the power lead, only one color will illuminate with each position of the points. Saves a lot of complication. Don't wait. Install your Tortoise machines, and a few dwarfs too. It's easier than you think and looks great.