I am helping a friend build a new ho layout and he wants to use above table switch machines to power the turnouts, not my favorite way but it is what he wants. As it has been many years since I used this setup, I need some advise as to what will work. Right now we are looking at Atlas mark 4 #6 turnouts (code 100). My question is will the Atlas above table switch machine, Atlas code 52 and 53 work with the mark 4s, atlas code 283 and 284? We will be ordering on the net as our nearest LHS is over 2hr away , and I don’t want to make a mistake. Thanks
Doug
I’d order one or two and evaluate them, then make your ‘big’ order. Might even be able to use (or borrow) a used one from Ebay or a friend instead of buying a new one. I found this post, it might be helpful:
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/204048.aspx
I’ve seen a few posts where people changed from Atlas to Tortise, not sure exactly why, but you might want to try and convince your friend to follow what others did (but I totally agree with letting him do what he wants, it’s his railroad after all).
I use Micro Engineering turnouts, without any switch machines; the turnouts have springs and I throw them by moving the points with my finger (2’ wide layout so I can easily reach all of them.
Just in case your friend burns a machine out by holding the button down for too long (or whatever reason), make sure you can replace (or upgrade) the switch machine without too much difficulty (aim for easy access, use screws, not glue, and be careful wiring and using them…I’ve heard several people burning out the machines accidentally).
I know from experience to take your time with track, especially turnouts; best to make them completely flat and make it throw perfectly before moving on to the next one…it will seem slow, but it will pay off a few years from now. Good luck and Happy Model Railroading!