Building a new HO shelf layout using code 83 flex track Can someone tell me if the Atlas Code 83 remote snap switches are DCC friendly. I think they are and need no modifications. Is this true. On may last layout, I used all Atlas Custom Line turnouts which were DCC friendly.
Thanks for your help, DON
I really hate this whole mountain-out-of-a-molehill concept of "DCC friendly", but the snap switches are the same basic design and construction as the custom line swithes. So the simple answer is yes.
On another thought, why, oh why, do you plan to use snap switches???
They should be fine. They have plastic frogs, so you will never have the ability to power them like you could with the customline. I am using some on one end of my layout which is very compact, and my locos like them fine.
Jim
Yes, they are DCC friendly. But they are not necessarily loco friendly. That is, I have had problems in three locations where locos enter the Code 83 Snap Switch off a 18" curve. Longer frame locos or ones with long pilots or low trailing sanding lines etc. can get hung up on the Snap Switch motor housing because they are located so close to the switch.
(See earlier post if interested on how I disconnected and moved some motors back.) http://cs.trains.com/forums/1354685/ShowPost.aspx)
However, if yours is a shelf set up and you are using the switches to enter parallel sidings and ladders etc. you should have no problem.
On my next layout, though, I am not using snap switches. I would go for some other under table motors and custom line switches.