The difference in Atlas turnouts?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

What is the difference in an Atlas manual turnout and an Atlas manual turnout with snap switching. I’ve been using the former but picked up a couple of the latter at a good price. To my novice eyes it looks as though the one with snap switching is designed to be used on a plywood or other hard surface as I don’t see a way to hide the long switch box. I like the way it snaps and stays in position though.
When and under what circumstances would you use either?
Jarrell

2

You are correct about the difference. The one without the snap switches is real good for ground throws or aftermarket switch machines like a tortise. They also work for making your own throws out of say bicycle cables, automotive choke cables, or lawn mower throttle cables. You can take the little dohickey off the snap ones to convert them to the regular kind if you want.

Are you using DC or DCC? The reason I ask is that if you are using DC you could use either Peco or Micro Engineering switches and get that snap action without the goofy thing hanging off the side of the switch. If you use them many people just flick the switch manually with their finger. If you use DCC the switches will have to be modifyed so much that it eliminates this feature.

I’ve heard a rumor that Micro Engineering is coming out with a new HO switch that has the snap action and is DCC friendly so you might look into that also.

Hope that helps. [8D]

3

Atlas Snap Switches refer to turnouts with an 18" radius curve through the diverging leg. The diverging leg when used with the extra piece of 18" radius curve included with the turnout matches a piece of Atlas 18" curved sectional track . Manual means that no remote (i.e. electric) switch machine is included. Instead manual Snap Switches include a manual switch box that looks similar to the electric but is hand operated. Both manual and remote switch machines can be removed, they are attached with two screws.
Enjoy
Paul

4

I’m using DCC and Peco turnouts (insulfrog) what do I have to do to modify them?

Thanks, Ken.

5

Thanks for the info! Oh!.. I’m dcc and I thought about removing the little side part. Personally I kinda like throwing switches manually, gets me up and moving! [8D]
Jarrell

6

Thanks Paul, I appreciate it!
Jarrell

7

NZRmac,

I’m sorry, I should have been more clear. You have to modify live frog Peco turnouts for DCC. I don’t think you have to do anything to the insulfrog ones. Just to be safe you might check out the “wiring for DCC” site by Allen Gartner for more info.

Sorry if I freaked anyone out.