Atlas Switch Quality

[Anonymous]

I know there have been previous issues in the past regarding the Atlas switches, regarding the burnout and wiring problems they had. What I would like to know now is the quality of the current line of the switches since then. Have they improved any?

In addition, can the oversized switch machines on the Atlas SW be replaced say with a DZ-1000 or 2500 machine?

And also, for those who may run Ross switches with the Atlas track, though I have read that you can mate to them via the rail joiners, how well do they join together? Is the electrical continuity between them still good?

Another few questions in my continuing research on track and switch systems. Thanks for any help.

[Anonymous]

I have five Atlas switches on my small layout--a mix of older ones and more recent versions.  Haven't had problems with any of them.  I also use Atlas track on this layout.

[luther_stanton]

Trainmaster,

 

I am using 12 Atlas switches / turnouts (36”, 45” and #5) driven by SC2s without any problem.  The #5 does have a large gap through the switch on the center rail so you may have some issues with closely spaced pickup rollers.  I am using the stock switch machines.

 

I have not combined the Atlas track with Ross switches; however, I have mated the track with tubular O Gauge.  I used the Atlas connectors and because of the slight difference in height, I did have to put a shim under the Atlas piece for added support - a simple fix.

 

There is a post from the CEO on the Atlas O Gauge forum discussing switch reliability:

http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=26053

 

Hope this information is helpful...

[jefelectric]

Chris, I don't think you need to be afraid of the new Atlas switches.  I have 8 on my layout extension ( #5s & 054s) and have not had any problems.  I use the factory installed switch machines controled by TMCC.

If you do a search on this and other forums you will get a lot more info than you probably want to read.  Keep in mind that a lot of it is dated and some is not very rational.

If you plan on buying new switches, read the post on the Atlas forum.  If you are not in a hurry, you may want to wait for the new versions.

[Anonymous]

Chris, I don't think you need to be afraid of the new Atlas switches.  I have 8 on my layout extension ( #5s & 054s) and have not had any problems.  I use the factory installed switch machines controled by TMCC.

If you do a search on this and other forums you will get a lot more info than you probably want to read.  Keep in mind that a lot of it is dated and some is not very rational.

If you plan on buying new switches, read the post on the Atlas forum.  If you are not in a hurry, you may want to wait for the new versions.

Thanks John and the others who replied. No doubt alot of the older threads on that topic is pretty much outdated so that's why I was lookin for more current information about the switches. I am not in a hurry to buy anything yet and plus, I am set on getting the Ross switches.

I've been researching different track systems for several months now and trying to get different opinions on them so that I can make a sound choice for my railroad. Unfortunately none of the LHS in my area carry any GG or Ross track, so I have no real way to see how they work with each other.

I have a few pieces of the Atlas track which I like the "I" beam rail profile and the rail joiners are nicely detailed too. I know that Ross can mate up to them fine, but I want to see with my own eyes how they do so.

I am thinking of going the GG/Ross route and sticking that way to it. Alot of the layout pics I have seen are pretty nice since most of them use GG track. I may have to order a few pieces of each track and then I will have a more sound idea. I'm getting close here.

[BobbyDing]

I also have Atlas track with several switches. The #5's do cause some grief with smaller locos. The RMT Beep and the K-line porter both have roller pickups that are too close and so they stall. My 2026 also stalled occasionally. For the Porter and the 2026 I extended the pickup (using the tenders) and the problem went away. The Beep may have to be delegated to the Xmas tree layout only, or I may have to buy a second Beep and lash'm together.

Just my experiences with Atlas switches.

Bobby

[Anonymous]

A fast question to ask.........                       I am not too familiar with atlas 0 gauge switches but can you tell me what type of controls do they use? Would they be using the controlers  that operates their ho switches? I am building a control panel and I find the size and how they can be wired much better than the controlers that I have for my realtrax switches.It also cuts down all the voltage that I would need to light up my mth controlers.

[RR Redneck]

Well I have used both and I must say that they are both exceptional switches, but off the record nothing beats Lionel.