I am just beginning my first layout in about 15 years. I am looking at using Atlas code 100 flex and Atlas turnouts.
Is this a Good Combination? Are there better ones??
Also, is there a maximum reach distance for a switch using a tortise switch machine? meaning if I have 1/2 ply, 1/2 homosote, cork, etc, will it still reach to run the switch?
thanks
Atlas flex track is an excellent choice, the price is reasonable and it is easy to work with, consider using code 83 for a more realistic look. i’ll add more to this post one i get home from school.
If you are going to stick with Code 100, then you might as well do as you intend. If you don’t mind mixing codes, both Peco and Shinohara make good turnouts. The Pecos have an over-centre spring that is a nice feature if you are going to manipulate the points by hand. Shinohara, sold through Walthers and its dealers, are very good turnouts…just beware that their curved turnouts (where both routes are curved) are not always going to provide the radius that Shinohara claims…they will sometimes be quite a bit tighter.
For some dollars more, you can just opt to do everything in Code 83, and then you have a wide range of stuff open to you. Micro Engineering (no website, you’ll have to get ahold of them in Fenton, MO) makes very nice track, including stuff pre-weathered. It is stiff to get a good clean curve, but with some patience and practise, you will be okay.
I have been having trouble with code 83 track changing somehow and causing derailments. Does anyone use unitrack? Is that any good?
Hello “bunker45,”
I use Tortoise motors with 1/4" roadbed and 3/4" subgrade, but sometimes I have to put one under a splice in the subgrade. That means the Tortoise has to reach through a total of 1-3/4" of material. I’ve had no problems at all in having motors this deep, but I do routinely replace the .032" actuator wire that comes with the Tortoise. I use .047" music wire instead, after enlarging the holes in the Tortoise with a no. 55 bit.
So long,
Andy