Switch Machines; Atlas, Tortise

[HAZMAT9]

Hi All:

I've pretty much got my shopping list together for my Granite Gorge and Northern railroad but I'm stuck on the switch machines. I'm going with Atlas flex 83 track along with Atlas switches (mainly Custom-Line #4's and 6's and a wye). Now in terms of switch machines, Atlas has a under table switch (ATL65) and a "Deluxe" (ATL66) machine. Are their major differences between the two, the price between the two is quite substantial, wondering if the Deluxe makes coffee too, based on the high price? I'm using 3/4" ply on a cookie-cutter design and woodland scenics roadbed (probably), I'm assuming that I'll just make the max thickness in order to use under table switches.

Lastly, I've looked at the Tortise machines as well. They're pretty interesting, any major differences other than the slow throw speed and constant current draw between Tortise and Atlas? Just wondering your preferences out there....Many Thanks, Steve [:D]

[Sperandeo]

Hi Steve,

Both the Atlas deluxe switch machine and the Tortoise switch motor have DPDT auxilliary contacts, and both will work just fine with the Custom Line turnouts. The regular Atlas under-table machine lacks the auxilliary contacts – you can decide whether you need them or not.

I'm using Tortoise motors on my own layout, but with my track plan the depth of these motors below the plywood subgrade isn't an issue. The Atlas machines mount flat against the underside of the plywood and may be better if you need clearance for other tracks passing below.

Good luck,

Andy

[HAZMAT9]

Thanks for the info, though what are the auxillary contacts used for? Also I'm assuming that the Atlas 65 and 66 machines both use the same protruding piece that throws the switch from underneath. Steve [^]

[jkeaton]

The auxiliary contacts are used if you need or want to power the frog on the turnout; also if you want to have signals indicating the turnout position.

Jim

[cwclark]

I've used both for years and personally I prefer the tortoise machines...here are the reasons why...the atlas are hard to mount ..you have to get under the layout in all kinds of unnatural positions to mount the atlas machine..they have to be perfectly installed and then you have those little bitty screws to deal with..trying to hold the Atlas in place while drilling the holes and drive the screws is hard and bad on my body..(i'm not into limba dances or sevier pain holding them in place until they are installed)...Tortoise machines can be mounted to a scrap piece of plywood and installed from the top of the layout by running sheetrock screws in from the top while holding it in place with the other hand from the bottom...they're also very forgiving and don't have to be perfectly centered like the atlas machine...another reason is that the tortoise is a lot easier on the turnout..the Atlas machine has a coil and when it's energized, it slams the points against the rail..the tortoise is smooth and slow, gently moving the points from one position to another and since it has a stall motor, it holds the points against the rail...Atlas machines don't do that and the points can slip from the stock rail causing a gap and eventually, a derailment if they aren't perfectly positioned on installation...another thing, if the momentary push button is held down too long the atlas machine will burn up...tortoise machines use power constantly and won't burn up...even though the deluxe atlas has contacts for other electronics, the tortoise also has them and if you like, you can hook up LED lighting to the motor power end or the built in DP/DT / two SP/DT contacts that come with the tortoise...if you have a lot of Atlas machines you are going to have to install a capacitor discharge unit with the Atlas stuff..another expense...with a tortoise, you can hook up 100 of them from 1 - 12v DC power supply and not have to worry about them not making...and finally...the tortoise has a 5 year warrenty but they last forever even when abused...atlas doesn't...chuck

[HAZMAT9]

Hey Chuck:

So go if I need to go with Atlas on the switches (because of track plan), their isn't anything I have to do when hooking up the Tortoise machines.....meaning do they link up pretty easy w/o much modification to either the Atlas switch or Tortoise switch machine? Thanks, Steve [8D]

[nolatron]

I was wondering the same thing kind of. I've noticed in pics the tortoise wire pokes through a hole in the turnout between the two rails. but on nscale code 80 custom turnouts (#6), there's the slider bar but with holes on the outside of the rail. Is that no problem and works just the same?

[rrinker]

Yes, that will work just the same. You'll have to locate the Tortoise slightly off center is all, so the wire comes up in the hole. Or you could always drill a small hole in the center and mount it the usual way.

--Randy