identifying atlas turnouts...

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I’m just getting back into the hobby and decided to start with a simple layout from “Basic Model Railroad Track Plans”. From the bill of materials, I need two left turnouts (part # 2700) and four right turnouts (2701). I have a bunch of old track that I would like to use first (to cut down a little on the initial cost outlay) but none of my atlas turnouts have part numbers on the ties, and only a couple switch machines have 25xx numbers on them.

So is there an identifying characteristic, such as the length of the straight-part that I can use to figure out if I have these turnouts?

Thanks

-matthew

2

Matt;

That appears to be Atlas N Code 80 Standard Remote Switch Left (part 2700),

(part #2701) Atlas N Code 80 Standard Remote Right

http://www.atlasrr.com/Images/Track/Trackphotos/2700.GIF

John

3

Thanks. I have a pile of different-sized turnouts on my table with little-to-no markings. Is there a way to know if they are the Standard Remote Left/Right that I need?

-matt

4

To identify them try going to the Atlas site and compare them to pics on the site.

Also track with brown ties is code 83 and black is code 100.

5

Your best bet may be to take one to a hobby shop that carries N scale or to a train show and compare them to a known 2700 or 2701. If that’s not practical, order one and compare them to what you have.

One thing to keep in mind is that unless your layout is really tight for space or crammed with track you may be able to use what you have and adjust the plan.

Enjoy

Paul

6

Thanks! It occurred to me that I could do it that way. I think I’m going to use what I have, order the couple that I need, and see what happens.

I tend to get hung-up on the idea that everything has to be perfect; e.g. if the layout book says X, then come hell or high water, I have to do X! I’m slowly realizing that I’m allowed to do things my own way. :slight_smile:

-matt

7

Correct. The diagrams are basically suggestions to get you going. The sky is the limit when you have the basic building blocks.

8

My HO atlas turnouts are all marked on the bottom of the ties. Don’t know if that holds true for N.

9

Newer track might be stamped that way but the turnouts I’m looking at right now are over 20 years old and the only markings are on the switch machines and they just say “Atlas”.

(I might be making a mistake using such old track but it looks brand new and I’m willing to try it before replacing it all.)

Last night I put in my order which included a couple new turnouts, we’ll see what they say in a few days.