Manual throw switch for Code 100 Atlas

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi All- I have a bunch of Code 100 Atlas turnouts that I’d like to add manual throw switches for but I’m unsure 1) which ones to purchase and 2) how do I install given Code 100 doesn’t have a small hole like Code 83.

Can anyone provide some insight?

Thanks in advance,

2

I love the caboose ground throws. They’ve got one that claims to work with Atlas HO turnouts with a variety of adapters for connecting to the switch. Check out http://www.cabooseind.com//pr1.html

3

I’ve used the Caboose Industries #202S (I think) with Atlas Customline Switches and the answer to your second question about attaching is to snip off the vertical piece on the switch throw bar which will result in a flat bar with a ready made hole under where the piece has been removed. Mount the ground throw off the end of the bar and the 180 degree (plus) travel of the throw lever will move the switch. I’ve done it about 40 times and it works like a charm.

Mike

4

I cut the throwbar just after the Atlas switch machine connection (the bump) and drill a hole for the Caboose Industries pin. If the ground throw is mounted at the same level as the switch you will also have to trim the pin so it doesn’t dig into the roadf bed…

If you have cut the the switches throwbar too short, all is not lost. You can use a a wide u-shaped wire and the “hole” side of the ground throw. With older riveted switches just use the rivet hole, with the newer ones just dril a 1/16" hole in the middle of the throwbar, (you’ll have to make a small clearance channel for the wire to move back and forth freely.

5

i’ve been using the caboose 208S for code 100 atlas and peco both. the 208S has more throw than the 202S and will keep the points tighter. i’ve used the 202S and found that for power routing switches the 208S are better for electrical conductivity between the points and stockrails. in areas where i couldn’t mount the throw at the switch i used a piece of steel wire in a plastic tube and ran it under the ballast to a spot that would allow the throw to fit. bend the ends of the wire to go in a hole in the throw bar and the hole on the throw mechanism.