Bruce,
I have a preference for mounting the turnout motor ON the turnout if possible. That's what they are made for, fit for, connect together for, however sometimes this isn't possible. I don't think I'd mount the motor away from the turnout. I haven't done so (just to experiment), but i wouldn't risk the lengthy mechanism (hand made) to work properly or last a long time. Should it break, or disconnect itself, you'd still have to dig the turnout up to fix it. And what sorta mechanism do you use to connect the turnout to the motor? I took the risk and buried the motor where I had to.
As for the Swannies? I was there last Sunday arvo. and Yep. They copped it from the crowd. Mostly at the coach. Mostly at 3/4 time, but also after the game, but not many were left when it finished. 80% of the crowd left after 3/4 time. The other bottom teams all have excuses (injuries, inexperience, financial, morale etc) with the Bulldogs, who have only won one game so far, nearly going broke, and speculation is they won't be around next year). The Bulldogs beat us by 10 goals. Their biggest win for 2 1/2 years, and Swannies worst loss for just as long. Swannies have no such excuses, other than a beligerent coach that refuses to change his match losing tactics, in the hope they will pay off one day. He'll be given the boot in the next week or so.