Will Atlas undertable switch machines work ok on Peco spring loaded turnouts? I’m considering using the Atlas machines on my staging yard. They’ll be easiest to replace or convert later.
I’m betting the Atlas’s are too weak for the pecos unless you remove the spring but I’ll leave the real answer for someone who has tried it.
Jeff
Thanks for the insight.
No they won’t. The solenoid mechanism on the atlas undertables is the same as their “beside the turnout” machines. Neither will ‘flip’ a Peco spring loaded reliably, and both are easy to “burn out” if you hti the juice a little too long trying to make it happen.
The only way I could see using the Atlas switch machines would be to remove the spring mechanism from the Peco turnout. Then you’ve eliminated one of the really nice things about the Peco’s. Why not use Circuitron Tortoises? Sure, they cost more, but I’m willing to bet that factoring how many Atlas machines you’ll replace, that the Tortoises are about the same.
I do it all the time. Remove the spring, not very hard to do. Use the under board machine works great. I also use the peco machine sometimes. It is very simple to use but requires a large hole in board under turnout. Peco also has one with a long arm which allows you to use a small hole like the atlas but for a staging yard use the peso with short arm it is too easy. If $$ is issue atlas works fine.
Use Peco machines if you insist on solenoid machines. Tortise is a much better choice for powered turnout control.
Mechanical linkages are another choice.
Something I just thought of today. Use a capacitor with Atlas machines. I believe cercitron make one. It will save your machines from burning up. It gives a hard shot of stored electricity then stops sending current even if you hold the button down.
Have you considered the Humpyard mechanical levers? They work nice, look great and are rather problem free.