Atlas has 3 types of code 83 switches. One is called Custom Line and is sold in a red package, (example RH switch has a part number 564), another isn’t called anything and is in a silver gray package (example- RH switch has a part number 505), the third is a snap switch. My question is, what is the difference between the 505 and the 564 (I know what snap swiches are)?
I bought a #8 atlas Mark IV turnout that comes in the silver package and a Custom Line turnout that comes in the red package a couple of weeks ago.
The difference is the Frog. On the New Mark IV the frog is insuliated nickel silver and can be powered by attaching power to the eyelet that is located on the outside of the tie. The Custom Line turnout has a metal frog that is black it is also insulated. It can be powered aslo but the contact point is inside the rails and is part of one of the ties.
The Snap Track turnouts have plastic frogs that cannot be powered.
I really like the Mark IV turnouts because of the ease of powering the frog if need be.
Bill
Buy the 505/506 switches. They call them Super Switches and they are much better than any of the others.
Snap-Switches aren’t any ‘regular’ switch, they are continuously curved to fit witht he reat of the Snap-Track sectional pieces - the Snap-Switch drops right in for a standard 9" straight section or a single 18" radius section (if you use that little filler piece they supply). The Custom-Line turnouts are actual numbered turnouts, although the #4 actually has a #4.5 frog angle. They do not just drop in to a sectional layout, which is fine because if you are using them you are likely using flex track anyway.
–Randy
Thanks for the replies. I have found out more info that may be of interest to those that replied. Apparently only the #8s have nickel silver frogs, instead of black frogs, and a frog electrical connection on the outside of the rail. (I can see this on the photos on Atlas’ website, after close review). Also the guard rails appear to be NS, not black plastic. All the #6 , 505 and 564 series are black frogs, power connection inside the rails, and black plastic guard rails. The 565 series has the first tie set back, like a snap switch, the 505 has ties all the way to the end, like a pc. of flex. track. Lets hope atlas improves the #6s to the same quality as the #8s, since most of us don’t have the space for #8s. Bill, does the #8 have rivets where the points hinge, or a tab arrangement like the #6? Can you verify the guard rails are NS? Thanks.