I picked up 6 of the Atlas Customline Mark IV code 100 turnouts to install on the layout (for industrial sidings & caboose track). A few of these were to have the Atlas above table switch machines, the rest will have Caboose Hobbies ground throws.
Anyway, the Atlas Switch Machines do not lock into place on the new turnouts. The curved plastic “nub” at the head end of the turnout does not fully secure the switch machine. Having both new and older switch machines, I tried both, and neither will attach securely. However, either new or old switch machine will attach securely to older Atlas turnouts.
I don’t use above table switch machines as they look awful IMHO. The above ones are “ok” if the machine is hidden from view. If I were you, I’de put in Tortoises or if $ is a factor get some Atlas under the table machines instead.
I had the same problem with code 100 #6’s in my hidden staging. I was able to use track nails to hold them up tight to the turnout. Maybe some type of glue would keep them in place.
I do have several under the table machines, but wanted to use the above table ones due to ease of access and the fact they will be pretty much hidden from view. My problem is that the turnouts & machines don’t fit together as they should, and not “what is best” to use.
The switch machine isn’t necessarily a rigid fit, like the old screw and nut mounted ones used to be. It may seem slightly loose, but will work fine. If it’s loose enough to pop off when you throw the switch, then they’re defective. Did you pick these up new or used? You may be able to get a refund if new.
Another possibility, Atlas’s current switches and switch machines aren’t interchangable. They have different ones for a left or right switch, as well as different ones for code 100 and code 83. Do you have the right machine?
I’m a very old hand with Atlas turnouts & machines. For this layout I also bought a number of the new # 8s, and a handful of # 6s. The same machines that fit snugly with the 8s & 6s does not completely “lock in” with the # 4s.
The turnouts are clearly “at fault”, and the only reason I’m not upset is that I’ll use ground throws with these, and will use older turnouts where a machine is needed.
No insult intended. With my technician background, I’ve learned to eliminate the obvious problems first. Like “Is it plugged in?” “Is it plugged in to a live outlet?” Don’t laugh, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made service calls and that’s all it was. If not, you can waste a lot of time troubleshooting.
I’ve been using all Atlas switches from the first customline to todays mark 4. I have mostly number 6 and some number 4s. I used table mount machine in my hidden staging area; all #6 switches.I had the same problem with the new switches and the snap on machines. I spiked the machine at the point end to make it lock onto the nub. I noticed that the points weren’t moving all the way aganist the rail and derailing some cars. When I spiked the machine this corrected the derailing problems. Also I found that the guard rails are too tight to the rails, check them with an NMRA gauge, this was causing problems with 6 axle engines and passenger cars. I have one steamer, a Reading T1 that wouldn’t go thru these switches until the guard rail was cut back. Until this version all Atlas switches were too wide at the guard rail and had to be shimmed.
Sorry Mobilman…Lesson learned for me to day: READ the post ; don’t skim it! [:I]
In the past I had the opposite problem. Once locked in place things like side steps on rolling stock would hit the machine on the way thru causing a derailment. By un-locking the machine and spiking it away from the turnout a tad and also making sure the wires were pulled extremely tight from the bottom held it in place without any issue when the points were thrown. And no more derailments. Guess I’m no help anyhow. I think I’ll go have a beer…[:-^]
No problem guys, I appreciate your comments & advice. Ha, I’ve certainly missed the “obvious” on situations before - but worked this issue from all directions before I posted. From what I can tell, the curved “nub” on the point end of the new turnouts is just a hair too short. I can certainly do a “workaround”, but I shouldn’t have to do so.
My previous layout was built in 1993, and was taken down in late 2008. It turned out I had 4 generations of Atlas turnouts - and while they all worked, some were better than others.