Atlas C55 switch question

[NtheBasement]

Its not that hard...

Don't drill the hole under the center of the throwbar, drill it under one of the ends while the turnout is thrown the other way.  If there isn't a hole in the throwbar where you need one for the tortoise wire, drill one with a pin vise.

To locate the hole in the plywood, drill from the top with a 1/16" bit then back up with the proper one.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Drill the pilot hole.
Then put a depth gauge on your full size drill bit and go slowly.
If you're really concerned about the turnout, put a piece of metal (aluminum or steel or something) under it for protection.

[mike_lawyer]

Thanks everyone for the responses, much appreciated!

[mrhedley]

I second several of the recommendations made here and add this suggestion:  To line up the bit accurately, drill a small pilot hole with a 1/32" or smaller bit through the hole in the throw bar with the points centered, then drop a dress makers pin (a longer straight pin with a rounded yellow head) down through the hole so you can locate it easier from under the layout.  Dressmakers pins are about 1.75" long so they should work fine unless your base is 1.5" or thicker foam board. 
 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I second several of the recommendations made here and add this suggestion:  To line up the bit accurately, drill a small pilot hole with a 1/32" or smaller bit through the hole in the throw bar with the points centered, then drop a dress makers pin (a longer straight pin with a rounded yellow head) down through the hole so you can locate it easier from under the layout.  Dressmakers pins are about 1.75" long so they should work fine unless your base is 1.5" or thicker foam board. 
 

Ooh, that's smart! I like that.

And if you can't see: "Just feel around until you start bleeding"

[peteski]

All you guys keep mentioning "center of the throwbar" for the hole location.    The last I looked at an Atlas c55 turnouts, the hole was on the side, at the end of the throwbar (where in 1:1 world the switch machine or manual throw would be).

Shining a light through the pilot hole might also help to locate it.

[mrp]

You could go with an Eshleman type linkage.
Either the original or home made from brass tubing

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234398291015

Michael Pennie

[glakedylan]

$12 a pop for manual linkage, wow!

Gary