I need a replacement/substitute suggestion for a Atlas Code 83 Left-Hand Turnout ITEM#542 - it originaly came in the Grand Valley Track Pack. I contacted the vendor, and they stated due to mfg issues, the item #542 won’t be available for a few months. So I need to know what product I can use has a replacement. I would like to upgrade it anyway, to a powered turnout that I could use on my Digitrax DCC system. If more information is needed, please let me know.
Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions, it’s greatly appreciated.
The Atlas #542 is a Snap Switch which is closest to a number 4 but not quite. The Atlas Snap Switch is a legacy product they keep making even though their own custom line switches are superior. Again notice I said the Snap switch and the #4 are close BUT the geometry is different. So a #4 won’t fit in your track plan meant for a Snap.
Mobileman has the best suggestion of e-bay as Atlas is switching factories for their switch manufacturing. As we have seen with other Atlas shortages, the time frame could be longer than just a few months.
You could substitute a Peco #4 for example but you would need to use Flex track leading up to the switch in order for it to fit into that track plan. Again you need to do this because of the different geometry of the Snap. You could do this with other #4’s as well. BUT a #4 will not just drop into your track plan. You will have to modify using flex to get it to work.
To answer the second part of your question, the Snap Switch #542 can be remotely controlled by a powered switch machine. You can swap out the manual control for any type of remote. I myself like the Tortoise which you can connect to a DCC decoder. It mounts under the layout and keeps the switch itself looking more prototypical.
Others I’m sure will suggest other brands so your mileage may vary,
As the others have said that is a “Snap-Switch”. It equates to about a #3.5. But even a true 3.5 won’t be an exact fit. You could substitute an Atlas Item #540 or even a Tru-Track #480 that you would have to take off the plastic roadbed.
You could substitute a code 100 #850 or #860 but you would have to adjust the track height / Tie High to prevent from having a bump.
You could get one out of the track expansion set #588 (which happen to be in stock at Caboose Hobbies).
I would suggest you watch eBay (I see both #540s and #480s out there right now), or go to a local swap meet. Anything else you would messing with the geometry of the original track plan. Not being familiar with that particular set, I don’t know how big a deal that would be. If it is just on two stub end sidings the exact geometry might not be a critical factor.
Or just do a little searching. It looks like the exact one you want is in stock here:
What failed to cause the need for a replacement? Throw bar? Broken or missing point? Some other issue?
The reason I ask is, it might be quicker and easier to repair what you have, rather than wait for the MS Pokey Maru to deliver product that hasn’t been manufactured yet from China.
As a last resort you might even (gasp!) hand-lay a replacement. Raw rail, tie stock and spikes are NEVER out of stock.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with hand-laid specialwork)