Opinions on using Atlas Snap Switches?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I was thinking about using Snap Switches (Frog # 3-3/8) for a short (two car) but tight spur. The only things going through it will be 40-ft or less cars and switchers, not autoracks. Do people think this will be a problem?

KL

2

That should be no problem. An Atlas Snap Switch is effectively an 18-inch radius curved track section, so if your cars can take 18-inch radius they should all be fine.

My only problem with Snap Switches is the appearance of the above-table switch machine. Mechanically, they’re OK as long as they don’t get abused.

3

I have about three dozen on my layout. I use manual switches with Caboose Industries ground throws at the front of the layout and remote switches at the rear where they are difficult to reach. Since they are 19" radius, I have had no problems with them even with Kato 85’ passenger cars. I usually put feeder wires at both ends because sometimes they don’t carry the current through the interrupted rails.

4

You shouldn’t have any problems as long as you go through it at a moderate speed. I used all snap switches on my last layout and I never had a derailment, even with 85’ passenger cars and 6 axel locos. As for the ugly switch machine mounted to the turnout, I sold it and bought an Atlas under-table switch machine. It worked just as well and was hidden.

5

Kurt,

I have Atlas Snap turnouts on my layout and I have no problems with either 40-50’ rolling stock, switchers, or even my 2-8-2 Mike. You should be fine.

Tom

6

No, I had a friend who used them by mistake on the main line of a module. We run regular trains with up to 50ft cars through the diverging route all the time.

7

Thanks for the input.

I made up a crossover from some old Atlas brass units last night and ran an equally old Tyco 50-ft boxcar, AHM caboose, and AHM 57-ft covered hopper through it. The truck mounted X2f couplers did tend to separate when long and short cars were adjacent, but the body swing did not seem bad at all.

KL

8

That is interesting, and opposite of what I would have expected. I would have expected truck mounted couplers to be the ones that worked well [%-)].