I have enough Atlas turnouts with the side mounted switches to build my layout. I want trouble free track-work. They will not be used much. They will be hidden, but easily reachable. However, it will awkward to work on them.
So should I keep them, or sell them on eBay and spring for Pecos.
Chip;
I’ve learned, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…if they work, why spend more time and money?
just my .02…
I haven’t built anything yet. Nothing broke. Nothing to fix. (and we’re only talking two turnouts)
So you need to decide if replacing those two turnouts (should they become an issue) is cheaper now or later
Chip,
I used Micro Engineering code 70 track and turnouts on the front of my layout, and Atlas flex track and turnouts in hidden staging.
I have twenty of the Atlas switches in the hidden staging and for the hidden ends of the reverse track. They work just fine.
The only problem I’ve had was a short in one of the Atlas control slide switches on the facia. The double solenoid switch motors are not designed for constant voltage. One of my control switches shorted and burned out a switch motor. Once the control was replaced, all has been good for four years.
They may not be pretty, but they work just fine.
I take it by your post that you think they will need replacing.
Not at all! I’m drawing from my experience of working on cars/machinery etc…if the part is easily accessible (both in time to remove it AND time to go get it) and is relativly low cost I usually wait till it breaks. However, if that $10 part means ripping half the car apart to get to it I install it while I already have it apart. What I meant is that if you can justify the time to replace it later after the layout is done (if it fails) then use the atlas. If the time to do it later is alot then replace now, this is assuming they are used turnouts.
The Atlas turnouts work very well with the same fine tuning you’d do to any other turnout. I’d tune them & test them until you’re happy with them, then go with them. It’s a fine product that’ll take years of use.
Thanks Mike and Phillip,
This is what I expected, but as Ken pointed out, it will be a lot easier to replace before the terrarium goes into place.
Chip,
Are you planning to block the sidings in such a way so you can turn off the power?
If you decide to go with Peco insulfrog turnouts, instead of your Atlas, it will be as simple as throwing the turnouts. You can eliminate the gaps in the rails and just use power routing through the points to turn the sidings on and off.
My neighbor uses this method in one of his staging yards and his engine facility.
Yes. I have a ton of switches and LED’s from my old layout and a Tech II so for now I’m talking DC. Here’s the layout. Access to the turnouts will be a 6" door on the upper left.
Spacemouse, I used Atlas in my yard thinking that I would replace them with Peco one day but they actually run prety well. They aren’t very smooth for slow speed operation but They do not cause derailments as I limit the amount of cars the switcher is allowed to move. I have the custom line and use ground throws so no powered motors.
I think as long as you can reach them for maintainance and possible replacement then go ahead and save the money for something else. To fine tune add a small shim in the guard rails across from the frog and file/sand the frog level with the rest of the trackage. My Atlas and some of the Peco have a little bump up as trains roll over the frog. Also, it may seem an obveous statement but the short wheelbase locos will struggle at times to get over the dead frog.