Atlas Code 83 Snap Switches

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have set up a 4X8 ho lay out and there are 10 snap switches in the lay out. Very few of them open and close well. Most open great to go straight but when switching off the main or into the yard they will not open all the way. If I take the motor off the switch it works perfectly. I put back on and it does not work. When off the switch it seems free with no drag anywhere but when put back on and you switch by hand you can feel a slight drag. Any one got any suggestions

Thanks

2

If the track is laid directly on the layout surface, the throwbar will bind against the layout. If it is laid on cork roadbed, you can use an Xacto knife to clean out the area directly under the throwbar so that it does not bind. I always carve out a ‘slot’ for the throwbar before I lay the turnout.

Jim

3

Get rid of the swichmachines and go with Caboose Handthrows!!!

4

  1. Find out where the bind is coming from. Correct! or the alternative is replacing the switches.

  2. PROBABLE: Your power pak may lack the amps to throw multiple Atlas (twin coil) switch machines. Are you throwing more than one at a time? Try 5-10 amps. 5 amps X12v = 60 VA. Your power pak is probably less than 20VA. (1.7 amps). Read the U.L. tag.

KEY: Twin coils need 2.5 amps each to throw reliably.

5

Thanks Don I put my new MRC Tech 4 power supply on and they work fine. I am just setting things up and I just had a little power pack from a train I got about 10 years ago. I am new in this modeling and I thank you and anyone else that gives me advice

6

I bought several 12 volt transformers from Radio Shack. They are cheap, around $9.95 or so, and come in various sizes. I have a large one that puts out 4 amps, for turnouts and several others for layout lighting. Most bang for the buck.