There have been a lot of postings regarding turnouts and track size and of course Atlas always seems to come up in the conversation. However, I still have two Atlas questions in search of an answer from “those who have been there”.
First, we all know that Atlas code 100 customline HO turnouts have a “bump” or is it a “dip” at the frog. Does the Atlas code 83 turnouts have the same problem?
Second, will the Atlas switch machines used with the code 100 turnouts (both on top and below table) fit the code 83 turnouts?
I use Atlas Code 83 track on my layout. Digitrax DCC. I run Athearn and PK2 SD40-2, SD50 and SD60 locomotives through the Atlas #6 turnouts with no problems.
I do not use Atlas switch machines.
On my previous layout I used Atlas Code 83 on the layout and Atlas Code 100 for the staging yards, but use all Code 83 now.
I use the manual over the board Atlas switch machines. When I ordered them Caboose sent me the wrong ones and I got the ones for Code 100 instead. They do NOT work together,
The last batch of Atlas Code 83 #6 turnouts that I bought about 5 years ago all had “bumpy” frogs.
My guess is that the metal frog and the adjoining plastic insulation are heat pressed into place during the manufacturing process. Either the heat or the pressure was not sufficient to fully seat the frog assembly into the underlying tie bed. This resulted in a frog assembly that was slightly higher than the surrounding rails.
It is fairly easy to file down the frog assembly so that it is the same height as the rails leading into it.
I have an 0-6-0T engine that I use to test the frogs. Since this is a rigid wheelbase engine with the drivers being the only power pick-up points, any frog that is higher than the rails will lift the drivers off the rail and the engine will stall. If this engine will creap through a (modified) frog without stalling then I know my work is complete.
Be sure to vaccuum well to remove any metal filings from the turnout.
The cause of the “bump” in the Atlas code 100 #6 Customline turnout is the gap between the end of the frog point and the rails is too long and the engine wheels “drop down” into it.
My engines ,BLI steamers tend to “rock” a bit and sometimes derail going through the switch.
There is no support under the wheel or the flange.
I have been experimenting with several methods to solve this problem, including some spoke of here on the forum. So far none of the methods is totally satisfying