Changing an Atlas #6 to power routing ?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I am currently working on the second small (2’x4’) section of my still in planning new layout. The layout will primarily be DCC but will include 2 DC sub-lines which will run automatically, continuously and independant of the main layout.

Scenario One:
The first will be in a logging to sawmill run where by a full train will run from the forrest to the sawmill and disapear into the complex, Shortly after an empties train will emerge from the complex on the same line and head back up to the logging camp, where the full train will be hidden waiting to make the return journey again.

Scenario Two
Train A will be on platform 1 at station X, train A will follow the main to platform 1 at station Y, upon arrival of train A train B will depart station Y platform 2 and head back down the main to station X platform 2, when tran B arrives at Station X train A will make the return journey…and so on continuously…simple huh … [%-)]

In order for this to all work I need to make my atlas #6 turnouts to be power routing, to do this is it as simple as breaking the connection below “A” and soldering feeder wires “B” and “C” or is there anything else I need to do???

I am currently assembling the Station A section and am ready to lay in these turnouts.

As always thanks for any and all help given

Have fun & be safe
Karl.

2

Karl, all you need to do is cut the silver tab that connects the point rail to the stock rail. This cut needs to be right next to the pivot so a little care is needed. I would recommend a razor saw rather than a cutoff wheel. I have ruined a couple of turnouts using a cutoff wheel. Also, stay as close to the stock rail as possible because there are tabs under the pivot which can be damaged during the cutting process.

click to enlarge for better detail

Hope this helps.

Tom

3

Thanks Tom,

a great help, it looks like yours is a Code 83 switch and the tab on mine was slightly further down the diverging rails under the moulded ties on the back, I found them though after some exploration and hacking, tested it and it works great, thanks again for the assistance.

Karl.