Adjustable Tortoise Mount

[rodsup9000]

 I have come up with a adjustable mount for the Tortoise switch machine. On my layout build thread there was some interest on these.
If there is enough interest in them, I will make them available for sale for $3.50 each, or 10 for $30.00 plus shipping. They will come with the required screws for mounting. These are printed on my 3D printer out of PLA.
PM me if you are interested.

Thanks

[Ed Kapuscinski]

So, I've got a question about these... any thoughts about using them with a foam top?

I've been thinking about how I'm going to mount tortoises to the handful of dispatcher controlled switches I'm going to have, and these immediately came to mind. But... I'm going to be mounting to foam instead of wood. Would it be possible to mount the track and roadbed directly to these?

[mmyers]

Glue a square piece of plywood to the foam under the switch. Drill a clearance hole for the actuator wire first. My choice of glue would be Powergrab. After the glue dries, mount the tortoise. BTW, there are several types of Powergrab now. They have different consistencies and set times. My favorite is the one that is labeled for tub surrounds. Fast grab and not as thick. It does not dry clear, though.

Martin

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Glue a square piece of plywood to the foam under the switch. Drill a clearance hole for the actuator wire first. My choice of glue would be Powergrab. After the glue dries, mount the tortoise. BTW, there are several types of Powergrab now. They have different consistencies and set times. My favorite is the one that is labeled for tub surrounds. Fast grab and not as thick. It does not dry clear, though.

Martin

Thanks. I was thinking that was one approach. I was also thinking about finding some plastic options too, like these:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-1-Gang-Midway-Blank-Nylon-Wall-Plate-Ivory-R51-0PJ13-00I/202059875

[C855B]

I've been experimenting with these:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/E-Z-Ancor-Twist-N-Lock-75-lb-Medium-Duty-Drywall-Anchors-50-Pack-25310/100040265

When I head back over to the layout building today, I'll do a test mount.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

You know, I've got a stash of them, and I've never thought to try it. With the flexible mount, it'd probably work decently.

[C855B]

I've been experimenting with these:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/E-Z-Ancor-Twist-N-Lock-75-lb-Medium-Duty-Drywall-Anchors-50-Pack-25310/100040265

When I head back over to the layout building today, I'll do a test mount.

Hey, Ed... maybe it can work, but conditionally.

I think the holding strength would be sufficient, but the problem I had was it wants to keep drilling itself down. The flange isn't wide enough, especially since the anchor threads more or less mangle the hole (the two holes either side of the "successful" anchor). Adding the 7/16" washer kept the anchor from drilling through. However, you cannot use the screw the anchors come with, you need to go to a smaller diameter that won't try to spread the anchor. With the stock screw size (#10 in the case of these "75#" anchors), as soon as it bites, the anchor turns, too, shredding the hole. Oops.

I was able to seat a #6 x 1" sheet metal screw, but still managed to twist the anchor a little. The only way I think we can get this idea to work is to drill out the anchor for a machine screw tap size before inserting into the foam, and tap it so we don't have to rely on self-tapping screws to bite into the anchor.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Awesome, I'm glad you tried it. Sounds like way more trouble than it's worth.

[C855B]

You're right, a PITA to make it work, but it was a kluge, anyway. However, I did find these, which are designed for foam: http://demand.cbeyondhosting2.com/foamauger.html

Not cheap ($1 each!), but I might try them just to see. My biggest need is for wiring anchors; I've had lots of experience with wire anchors on layouts using double-sided foam tape, and they pull off if you look at them cross-eyed.

[Scottl]

How about some adhesive like caulk on the threads to give it some bite?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Wow, a buck a piece? That's nuts.

I'm starting to feel that liquid nails and a coarse drywall screw is the way to go.

[rodsup9000]

I've had lots of experience with wire anchors on layouts using double-sided foam tape, and they pull off if you look at them cross-eyed.

 The best double sided tape that I've found is "Scotch outdoor mounting tape" Part #411.

http://mounting.scotchbrand.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/ScotchMountingAndFastening/Home/ProductCatalog/~/Scotch-Outdoor-Mounting-Tape-1-in-x-450-in?N=7583086+3294268042+3294529207&rt=rud

 I have several tortoise that is mounted with this stuff on plywood that has held up for close to 10 years. I think it would work with foam very well. I've also used it for mounting Airwire receivers and Phoenix sound boards in my large scale loco's and even with all the heat form the boards, it works super.

 I also have some mounted with Velcro that been there for over 10 years and no problems. 

[C855B]

Scott has the same thought I did, but I'm thinking Gorilla Glue. I might try that tomorrow.

I bit the bullet and ordered a box of the Demand anchors... nearly $2/ea after shipping.   If they work, I will inquire about wholesale quantities.

Rodney, I keep the gray 3M tape on hand for lots of things, including peeling white foam tape off of wiring anchors and using the gray instead. It works on some surfaces, but not all, especially certain plastics. Haven't tried it with EPS yet, might be worth a shot. My concern is the pulling-type loads associated with wire bundles tend to peel the tape.

[mmyers]

Gorilla tape might work and it is instant. I use it to stick down vinyl floor transition mouldings.

You have to be careful with those EZ anchors. Twist them in just a little too much and they will pull the material out. In drywall, I squeeze a little liquid nails in a stripped hole and let it sit overnight with the anchor glued in. Also be careful with the screw. I've had them tear the anchor loose while running the screw in. For foam, i would purchase shorter screws. the ones that are included can bottom out and tear the anchor loose. I use #8 x 1 1/4 self tapping screws.
BTW, EZ Anchors come in at least two lengths and in plastic or metal. Wouldn't worry much about the weight rating. The 40 lb anchors are shorter and use a #6 screw.

Martin

[C855B]

Follow-up from testing:

3M gray ("outdoor") double-stick foam tape sticks to the foam, but probably not as well as I would prefer. After a day (enough time for the tape adhesive to cure), it was possible to peel it up with not too much effort. I would probably not want to use this for pulling forces angular to the surface. It would be reasonable to use it where the main load was shear forces.

The surprise, however, was back to our drywall anchors. Technique is along the lines of what Scott and Martin suggested. My bottle of Gorilla Glue had dried-up, so I squeezed out a bit of yellow carpenter's glue on the threads and made a fresh hole, hand drilling with a screwdriver - winner! Giving it a day to set-up, a #6 x 1" screw tightened-up quite nicely, with no twisting or tear out. Frankly, I think this will be my solution. Easy-peasy.

Standing by on the special foam anchors. Unless they can give us a really sweet deal on quantities, the drywall anchors with glue will likely be a good bet.