DCC for turnouts

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
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Hi everone. Let me start by saying that I have participated in internet forums before on various topics unrelated to this hobby, but this model train forum is truly outstanding. I had no idea there were so may people interested not only in the hobby, but willing to share their expertise. You all have been very helpful to this newbie.

I posted earlier about having difficulty laying my cork roadbed for my sectional atlas track. After reading your replies, I knuckled down and pulled up the first attempt. After a much more careful second attempt, I am happy to report that it is going down perfectly and the track is fitting fine. Thanks for all your suggestions.

Now to a f/u question regarding the atlas turnouts. I really just don’t like how they look, but I have read they are DCC friendly and I don’t want to replace them. I have read if you have a deep base, i.e. 3/4" plywood with 1" foam on top for me, then the atlas under the table machines are difficult to install, whereas the tortoise circuitron slow motion machines are much easier to install and function extremely well. Is that true? If so, can you take off the switch machine for the atlas turnouts and hookup the tortoise’s? Note: I am in N scale.

Thanks

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Let me preface my reply by saying that I model N scale too and I’ve used atlas turnouts in my hidden staging. Because they’re in the hidden staging, I used the atlas surface mounted switch motors(dual coil).

I have a turnout in my hand as I’m typing this, for reference.

First, they are DCC compatible, but the throw bar may not be conducive to under the table switch motors. The one I’m using for reference has a tab extending out the side for the Atlas motor.

Tortoise switch motors require a slot in the benchwork, perpendicular to the track path, for the rod to move the points.

A SwitchMaster may be a better choice, as it uses a tortional movement to throw the turnout. This only requires a hole drilled through the benchwork for a rod to swivel. the top of the rod has an inverted “U” shape with sharp angles. A short leg goes into the hole in the throw bar and a long leg goes down through the benchwork to the SwitchMaster motor.

I haven’t used these motors personally, but have assisted a friend with the installaion of several on an HO layout.

I hope this helps with your choice.

Mike