Due to the recent incorrect shipment of switch machines to my c83 turnouts I now have 30 C100 switch machines. Instead of shipping them back I was considering simply ordering 30 C100 turnouts to them(I know I’m lazy). But how do they match up with C83, I think that I read in a book that they are of the same height and there for they would be able to used together. Am I wrong or right. I need your help to make a decision.
Thanks, Magnus
Atlas’s code83 track has ties .017" thicker than Altas’s code100 track, so the tops of the rails are at the same hieght.
If you have code 83 rail going into 100 code 100 switches, you will have 600 transitions from code 83 track to code 100 track. While they make connectors for this, I have found they are not the easiest things to work with and each one must be adjusted for a smooth transition.
I would suggest getting the correct switch machines as the better alternative.
tilden
I have some of the code 100 under the table ATlas switch machines. I don’t see why you can’t used them for code 83 turnouts.
If you have the kind that clip on (above table Atlas switch machines), a little creative adapting will work. I did this in my staging yard where I don’t care about the unprototypical look of the above table machines. I just got some U channel plastic and made my own extensions to make them throw turnouts A little Rub Goldburg can go a long way (or Jury Rigging if you prefer).
The cd100 Switches will look horrible beside the cd83 flex. The ties are almost twice as big and there are fewer of them. Will stick out like a sorethumb.
Like mentioned above, you will have alot of these cd 100 to 83 transitions, and each one will be an issue.
It is best to ‘standardize’ with EITHER cd 100 or 83 to avoid the above issues (but one can mix codes to represent different size rail). I would suggest going with all cd100 because you have the 30 cd100 turnouts comming already (flex is cheap compared to turnouts).
If you cant avoid this, your best bet is to apply the rail joiner to the cd 100 and ‘flaten’ the other end. You can then sit the cd83 rail on this joiner and solder. This is what most people do when they combine rail sizes.
David B
You can use the code 100 under table switch machines on code 83 switches,doitallthe time. Davidis right about lex track being cheaper than switches. Also, don’t know your era but if you use code 83 track you might need to adjust some bridges for clearances around the sides with modern lower track clearance cars like well cars.
Tilden
ALL TWIN COIL switch machines operate similarly: 12v-24v @ 1,5a-2.3a per. I need 18V @10A to power a double crossover (4 sw. machines) simultaneously.
A RIX 005 mount will allow under table mounting for more realism.
http://www.rixproducts.com/6280005.htm
If you actually have code 83 track (?) this would be the more professionsl way to go. (Note the question).
Why the question Don? Do you still not believe me? I remember this discussion from few months back and I thought that you had left it behind you. So ones more, I do have c83 Atlas track and turnout/and some Roco and one Peco) and it’s the Atlas ones that I’m building my layout with. If you do not believe me and just wan’t to argue do is with someone else. I’m done arguing whether I have something or not. Move one.
I got the wrong manual switch machines, C100 instead of the C83 that are suppose to be used with them. They are already sending me new ones but I would prefer not to ship them back since the cost of that is rather prohibiting. I would rather be able to use them somewhere like in a hidden staging yard.
But I will probably send them back then, just rather irritating to send something across the entire globe.
Magnus
Whether a self professed ‘student’ has ordered 30 wrong switch machines is not the point, however …
The advice stands:
A RIX 005 mount will allow under table mounting for more realism.
http://www.rixproducts.com/6280005.htm
Do what you want,
Just because I’m a student doesn’t mean that I’m poor. It also doesn’t mean that I do not work besides my studies. I drive a truck now during summer for instance. Also I did not order the wrong ones, they sent me the wrong ones.
Why wouldn’t students buy switch machines?
Here is a pic so that you one and for all quit bugging me about this. I’m fed up with your insinuations:
Now can we agree that those are indeed Atlas track and turnouts?
Magnus
Magnus, if you are wanting manual switch machines, I would suggest using Caboose Industries ground throws. They look much better than the Atlas ones and are not rail code dependent. Just a thought.
I have been thinking about that. I will probably get some sooner or later but right now I just want for the easiest option and got the manual switches that is standard for the Atlas turnouts.
But I will order one of those next I order just to try it out, thanks for the advice guys, all of you.
Magnus