Now that the outside two tracks are fully functional, it is time to continue with the rest of the layout. I focused on sections G1, G2, and G3, which include switch motors TA3, TA4a, TA4b, TD3, and TD4:
I followed the usual process:
- Use the tortoise template
- Pre-drill for the 4 screws
- Glue some track bed foam to limit vibrations
- Insert 2 screws on the same side
- Position the tortoise so the spring wire goes into the switch bar - this is the tricky part!
- Keep the tortoise in that position while sliding under the table
- Insert the other 2 screws and secure the switch engine
As I just mentioned, it can be tricky to position the spring wire from the Tortoise switch engine into the switch bar of the Peco switch. Case in point with TD3: the location is quite unfortunate:
After many attempts, I was not able to make it work because of the angle and the proximity of the benchwork. I decided to order a much longer wire and try to fit it from above the table; a wire of 0.025'' is needed here:
- K&S Precision Metals 5005 Music Wire.025" X 12" Long - Amazon
As I'm waiting for those wires, I started to prep the other switch motors:
