track accessories

[Anonymous]

Hi , Im new here and new to the hobbie. I was needing to know the diffrence between a snap switch and a turnout. What is snap track and is code 100 nickel with black ties. I have a life-like set and Im adiing on to it just dont know what the terms mean. Also if you have a manual snap switch or turnout can you in the future convert them to remote.

[Jetrock]

A "snap switch" is, I believe, a type of turnout made by Atlas. The words "switch" and "turnout" are pretty much interchangeable in railroad parlance.

"Snap track" is pieces of track made in various lengths (straight and curved) that "snap" together--the pieces are not flexible, as opposed to "flex track" which is purchased in three-foot or one-meter lengths and cut to length, and bent to make curves.

"Code 100" refers to the thickness of the track--it is .100" high. It's fairly heavy for HO scale but good for beginners because it's common and cheap. There are lighter "codes"--83, 75, 40, etcetera, but for a starter layout Code 100 is just fine.

"Nickel-silver" is the metal the track is made out of--it's a slightly yellowish silver color.

"Ties" are the wood things under the track that hold it up--black ones are just that, black in color, as opposed to brown or concrete or something.

Code 100 black Snap-Track and Snap-Switch turnout are the stock in trade of Atlas, a fairly popular manufacturer of model railroad track and accessories. As a beginner to the hobby you'll get to know them well--they aren't the best in quality sometimes, but they do the job and are pretty cheap.

Manual switches can be converted to remote--the Atlas manual switch control can be snapped off and the remote switch purchased, or if you want to install under-layout switch motors you can do that too.

[GerFust]

Snap Switches may also have constant radius turnouts. That is, instead of a transition curve off the straight, the curve goes right into a constant radius curve, like a piece of curved track. You can literally remove a curve piece and drop in the switch. You cannot do that with regular turnouts, since the radius gradually changes. Refer to November and December 2003 issues of Model Railroader magazine for the track buyers guide - you may find more information there.

-Jer