About 15 years ago I purchased 20 atlas under the layout switch machines. At that time I moved and put everything on hold. Now I am getting back into the hobby, but have found out that these machines are a real bull to install and use under the layout. Is there anyway they can be converted to work on top of the layout like the standard atlas switch machine. Really don’t want to trash them and buy new machines. Any suggestions?
Looks like all the resident “experts” are off today, must be because it’s Sunday???
My guess would be that it’s “do able”, just cut the pin off that was to stick up through the table and attach a slender “spring” wire to the tongue that is left laying flat on the switch bar.
Hard to explain without drawings but maybe this will give you some ideas?
Mark
Hi
This is what I made out of some brass tube and a paper clip. The top doesn’t have to be soldered just push the paper clip in far enough to be in the bend area. The top arm has to be the same length as the bottom arm. About 3/4" to 1" so it goes down between the ties. For the under table motors I think you will need to make a small loop to fit over the vertical shaft of the motor. my motors have never given me any trouble but you should have a capacitor discharge system to keep from burning them out if power is held on too long. My motors were the normal top side motors I just turned them up side down.
Good luck.
Lee
PS: This was my proto type. The others were a lot neater. If you are interested I can explain more.
Trash them and buy new machines.
The Atlas Under Layout Switch Machines are one of the worst model railroading products ever invented by man. Tough to install, impossible to get them to work right. Dumped all of mine on eBay seven years ago in favor of Tortoises and never looked back.
Rich
Hi,
On my previous layout I had 6 installed on relatively easy to reach portions of the layout. Yes, they were a bit difficult, but with the proper screws and some patience they worked great. In fact, all 6 lasted without a problem for 12-13 years!
However, on my new layout, I decided I did not want them, and put them up for sale on Ebay. And yes, they quickly sold, and yes, I got a decent price for them.
I’ve got several, an they work fine. I drilled a 1/4 inch hole under the crossbar outside the rails Pin the machine in place with a couple track spikes until you get the alignment right. Then two screws fasten it down, and hook up the wires. Clip off the pin just above the crossbar You can set a ground throw switchstand on the crossties to make it look right.
Some years ago, I bought one of those. I cut down the long pin and glued the machine to the underside of an Atlas turnout. I then dug out an opening and mounted the turnout. I’ve never had a problem with it, but if I did, it would not be an easy one to replace. It was an experiment in my long battle to make Atlas switch machines invisible.
I think it wouldn’t be too difficult to add a linkage to one of these and then mount it on top of the layout like other Atlas machines.