This image shows the threaded rod and the slide switch mounted under the layout.  Rather than feed the threaded rod through the slide switch, Lee an aluminum "U" an nuts to clamp onto the slide switch.  The brass tube coming through the wood is for the pivot rod.  Lee's mechanism rotates spring wire to move the turnouts throw bar.  Sadly, I do not have a picture of the top of the turnout (photo by Jim Amato).  The slide switch is mounted to an aluminum angle.

Another view of the slide switch.  Notice two nuts are used, the second is a "Lock Nut".

Lee recessed the turnout is a plastic housing.  The metal visible in the middle is a "T-nut" mounted to the end of the threaded rod.  The T-nut is a very sturdy knob.  On the backside of the recess, Lee uses two nuts again to keep the rod from being pushed/pulled too far.