Atlas turn outs can look better

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I know most modelers don’t like Atlas turn outs and the Atlas motors but I use them for budgetary reasons. Below are some things I tried so they are less intrusive. The picture of the bell crank is my rough prototype. The original concept is not my idea but the way I do the install is. The company that originated the idea is no longer in business as far as I know.

http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/themes/trc/utility/[IMGhttp://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/Yankeeflyer/trackpart006.jpg[/IMG]:550:0]

I made a sample from some scrap so anyone that cares to look can see how the motors are mounted.

http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/themes/trc/utility/[IMGhttp://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/Yankeeflyer/IMG_1123.jpg[/IMG]:550:0]

http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/themes/trc/utility/[IMGhttp://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/Yankeeflyer/IMG_1126.jpg[/IMG]:550:0]

If anyone is interested I will give a more complete description. If you use the Atlas motors the only way to protect them is to use a capacitor discharge system to fire the motors.

Have a good week.

Lee

2

Hey, I must not be “most modelers”.

My layout is littered with them, and I love them.

Rich

3

Was thinking of using these switch machines for my upper level as they are thin. I model code 55 atlas and am hoping the somewhat flimsy inch and a half acuator rod will do the job. It looks like it would be a pain to change.

scookam

4

I have Atlas turnouts on my layout but no actuator motors hooked to them yet, was considering ground throws instead,but still undecided

5

So how do you wire a capacitor up to them ? What size capacitor?

6

The LION uses Atlas turnouts. LION uses any turnout so long as it is cheap.

What LION is NOT cheap with is the switch machine. Tortoise machines ONLY thank you. Mostly for the EASE in wiring. I have over 50 turnouts on the layout, they are all controlled with simple SPDT micro-switches. {albeit via my big interlocking tower machine}.

Where the Tortoise machine SAVES you money is in the controls and the wiring. Only one wire between the control tower and the turnout. And that wire controls the turnout, the signals, the console indication, and track power logic. Additional relays can be added to this circuit for more signal logic or track power routing.

When I need the space under the track for another track, or simply because it is inaccessible, I mount the Tortoise elsewhere and connect to the switch mechanically with rods.

And the Tortoise machines are so easy to mount, it saves me hours of aggravation. And you do not want to be in the same room with an aggravated LION. Your funny shaped throw rod is well known to modelers, but the Tortoise is so much easier: drill a hole and poke the actuator through the throw rod. done!

7

Sounds like win-win situation LION

I can easily mount Tortoise machines on my layout

I will probably go that route with a few ground throws also.

TheK4Kid

8

I hide Atlas switch machines beneath the scenery. There are 2 here:

I extended the throw bar and put one machine inside a building. For the other, I made a shell out of plaster cloth, painted it and covered it with scenic materials.

This is Phase 1, my original layout in Code 100. For the new section and beyond, I’ve switched to Code 83, where the Atlas machines are far smaller and less noticeable. For my more visible turnouts, I’m using Walthers/Shinohara and Tortoises. Once I started using Tortoises, I’d have to say that I’m hooked on them.

9

I use the standard top side motor, flip it upside down, and make the bell-crank any length I need to reach through the layout. The bell-crank is one brass pipe inside another, with a paper clip inserted in the end past the bend, before bending. The bottom is another paper clip wrapped around the proper sized drill bit, bent as shown, then slid on and soldered to the inner pipe. The motor can be positioned in any direction as long as the paper-clip is soldered in that direction, and the two are in alignment.
The capacitor discharge system can be built for about $10 or less (see other threads) it is the power supply and keeps you from frying the motors by holding the button down too long.

If anyone wants an answer to a specific question, just ask
My Grandfather had a saying. “poor people have poor ways” this is my way.[:-^]

Have fun. [swg]

Lee

10

I used to modify Atlas switch machines back in the day and they make an under table one these days. Nothing wrong with going the cheap route and once weathered can look fine to most. I myself am in the fine scale crowd now.

11

Good ideas, isn’t it amazing how we can be creative! Here’s what I did for turnout control:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EoPhNLs-t0&list=UUdGVpwwfUQgma1XgjxIAs1A&index=1&feature=plcp