I am in the process of building a new layout and I am at the point of laying track. The system is Digitax DCC - HO -
My question is I have a quantity of new and used Atlas turnouts used on a previous layout about 15 years ago. Will these be easily compatable with DCC or should I just bite the bullet and buy alkl new DCC friendly turn outs?
I have read several comments on rewiring DC turnouts.
Thanks
All Atlas Customline & Snap-Switch turnouts are basically DCC Friendly - You are good to go! I have about 50 of them on my Digitrax DCC powered layout - No Problems.
Jim
I’m on my second layout using DCC and Atlas turnouts - absolutely no problems and I’ve never modified any of them, they work just fine right out of the package.
–Randy
I have an assortment of Peco, Atlas Snap, and Atlas Custom Line switches on a Digitrax powered layout. They all work fine right out of the package.
Same here, a mix of Peco insulfrog and Walthers/Shinohara slightly modified DCC unfriendly turnouts.
No problem with these DCC unfriendly turnouts on a Digitrax powered layout. That layout is in operation since 1999.
Since you already have the turnouts and the DCC system, I think that your best bet is to set up a small test track and see if you can run an engine throught the turnout without stalling or shorting.
Rich
BINGO!! As I have posted before, an ounce of direct experimentation trumps ten tons of opinion.
IMHO, the whole idea of, “DC friendly/unfriendly,” turnouts is somewhat an urban myth. The problems which might cause a DCC system to trip out (wheels shorting between stock rail and points, or at poorly-insulated frogs) will cause hiccups with analog DC operation as well.
The one problem I have had with insulated frogs is that I run powered rolling stock which has very short power pickup on each rail. When a short-wheelbase truck loses contact on the inslated frog, the EMU, DMU or short tank locomotive will stall - every time. My solution is to hand-lay all my specialwork to my own specifications. Obviously, this is not for everyone.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
As the others eluded to is YES the Atlas DC compatible turnouts will work with DCC. If you have any doubts just do what the last 2 posters suggested and try it.
Make sure you give them a good cleaning as well
Good Luck.
Thanks to all the Model Railroad Brothers and Sisters (don’t know if there are any out there but, didn’t want to leave anyone out).
I am greatly relieved that my Atlas switches will more than likely work with my DCC system. I’ll be sure to clean and inspect them and several are still in the box. Sometimes I think this DCC stuff is really not as complicated as it seems.
My layout will be a one man operation - long single track main with a few passing sidings. I am trying to keep it simple and the trains will be protopical short.
Thanlks again everyone!