How to make parallel track with atlas HO code 100 turnouts

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I am trying to make a track plan using HO code 100 Atlas snap track. I can’t figure out how to make a passing track parallel.

2

Welcome to the forums!

If you are using 18"r Snap Track turnouts, 2 of the 1/3 sections of 18"r track (one comes with the turnout) will bring you back to parallel. I’m not sure about the new 22"r ones (or even if they have them in code 100).

Most folks seem to prefer the Atlas #4 turnouts as they seem to have less problems. In the back of an Atlas track planning book there are diagrams showing how to make ladders, that appear to have parallel tracks. If you want to have a single parallel siding, you may have to use flex track. I’m about to find out, when I once get to laying track on the layout in planning.

EDIT: Supper was waiting, now I have had time to check. They do not show how to bring the #4’s back to parallel at the end of the ladder. The #6’s require a short straight and a 1/3 18" section. Since you are using sectional track, one of the books would come in handy, as they show how to make many useful configurations with your turnouts. It does appear that the only to get to parallel for one siding is flex track. You could cut one piece in half and each end of the siding and sectional between them. If you have more than one place that needs to be done, you could cut it in several pieces, if you are effected by the shortage of code 100 flextrack.

Good luck,

Richard

3

Snap-Switches or CustomLine #4?

4

Snap Switches - two of the 1/3" 18" radius

#4 Switches (which are really #4.75) - one half section of 18" radius

#6 Switches - one of the 1/3" 18" radius

The #4 is not an exact fit. The turnout is 12.5 degrees of curvature and the 1/2 section is 15 degrees.

5

I recommend that you get a couple of pieces of flex track to handle these kind of situations. While you can cut them with a razor saw or dremel moto tool, railnippers work best. Cut off a section to make the curve back to parallel. be careful not to make the curve too sharp.

Alternatively, you can use a second turnout and make a crossover. This leaves you with an extra spur track, but there is no cutting and fitting required.

Good luck

Paul

6

Thanks guys. Flextrack works for me. :slight_smile:

7

Question, It’s been so many years since working w/ these and sectional track, what is the track spacing when doing so to run those parralell tracks (w/o surgery on the turnout). Others may need to know this as well.

8

In the Atlas book a #4 ladder sets up the spacing at 2". There are no spacer tracks needed. For a #6 standard ladder the centers are at 1 3/4". To get wider spacing add a 1 1/2" straight between each turnout for an each additional 1/4". Compound ladders are a bit different, the set up they show has a 2" track spaciing.

Good luck,

Richard

9

Good question. I’ll have to get out some track and measure.

10

In that kind of situation, I cut a length of curved 18" or 22" track to fit. Personally I prefer that over flex track.