New to model railroading, and I would like some help please

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
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Hi, I have a few questions about track, DCC, turnouts, and the like. Ive read some articles on the web, but it still isnt very clear to me how power routing turnouts work…

I’m building a 3’ X6’ N scale layout. Some of you who read model railroader will recognize it as the Carolina Central, built by Marty Mcguirk in the December 1996 issue of MR. I made a few minor changes to the track plan to suit my taste, such as adding the roundhouse and turntable.

My track plan, drawn in AutoCad 2K2 can be seen here:

http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=showMyPhoto&albumID=304995743&photoID=305001825&security=dZxLNE

I’m to the point in consturction where my foam scenery has been built, and I have formed the elevations and depressions with paper mache hard shell. I need to stary laying track. Ive decided on Atlas code 55 flex track and turnouts.

These turnouts are DCC friendly, right?

Secondly, Ive been looking at the Atlas Duo-Pack DCC system, since it says it can control 99 locos and 99 accessories, has a built in power supply, and the price isnt too terrible.

Would I be able to use the accessory addresses to control tortise slow motion switch machines?

Finally, I belive the atlas turnouts are power routing. Does this mean I would still need gaps in my rails anywhere?

Sorry for all the N00b questions. I’ve never been very good at electronics, which is why the Atlas all in one type system appeals to me. I appreciate any help anyone provides me!

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Hi and welcome to the forum!

Unfortunately, I am not a DCC guy (yet), but I’m sure there are many here who will be able to help

Have fun,

–Ed

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Josh_A,
Welcome to the forum!
I am a Digitrax user myself. I know very little about the Atlas DCC system except that they are made by Lenz and expandable with Lenz components.
So far as I know all Atlas turnouts are DCC compatible. I don’t think they are power routing turnouts, at least none of mine are. HO/Code 100.
The Atlas system, or any other, full function system, can operate your turnouts with Tortoise machines. You will have to purchase stationary decoders for them. There are many types available from Digitrax, Lenz, NCE, and others. Some can control multiple turnouts and others just one. You will have to decide what you need.
There are many sites available on the Internet which can explain your needs better than I as can many of the people on this forum. My website has several links to sites that can provide the information you need. The link is in my signature. Once on my site, pu***he links button.
I wish you luck with you layout.
Again, Welcome!

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I use atlas turnouts on my DCC layout. Whether you use the standard Atlas switch or the customline ones, they are both DCC ready. They are not power routed. No gaps are needed.