It sounds like you're hung up on the switch points. As Cuyama states, they are not sprung, and require a simple mechanism to hold them in place. The Caboose ground throws certainly work, but they are a bit bulky, especially if you get the variety that routes power (which I recommend doing with the Atlas turnouts.) Here's some examples of what I've done with mine...
This is the most economical, and least obtrusive method. I use a simple double pole, single throw micro switch, which I mount into the surface of the subroadbed next to the switch. I drill a hole in the switch, and install a bit of steel wire, bent as you see above to connect the switch to the throw bar. Sort of a question mark shape.
Here's another angle.
If you use the Caboose industries throws, you can trick the eye a little by recessing them into the scenery a little bit. I mount a block of homasote in the foam base so it has a solid footing, and then install a clipped track nail to connect the switch machine to the throw bar.
You can see how dropping the switch throws down 1/4" makes a big difference in how bulky they look.
Atlas Code 55 is an excellent choice to improve the appearance of your track. It can be a little tricky to work with, but once you get the hang of it, it's as easy as any other flex track system, maybe easier. I recommend getting a couple of pieces of flex track, a turnout and some sectional pieces so you can get a feel for how it works before you invest in a whole layout worth of track. It's definitely different from Unitrak, so be patient, and ask questions if you get stuck. I've been running on mine for close to four years now, and I love it.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Lee
Route of the Alpha Jets www.wmrywesternlines.net
The Atlas Code 55 N scale turnouts are great-looking and work well, but you need a mechanism of some sort to hold the points in place. This is different from Kato Unitrack, where the switches have built in motors or hand throws. Thus, while the Kato turnouts are ready-to-go out of the box, the Atlas turnouts require a little additional extra work.
Caboose Industries makes hand-throws specifically for the Atlas C55 turnouts, or you can create your own inexpensive means of holding the points (and switching the polarity of the unpowered frog, if you wish). Or you can power these with Tortoise or other switch motors or switch machines. Any of these methods can work fine, but you defnitely must add something to the Atlas C55 turnouts, the points won't reliably stay in place otherwise.
If you are looking for other non-roadbed track options, another alternative is the PECO line of turnouts, which have a built-in spring to hold the points in place.
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previously i had been using n scale kato unitrak for my layout however i have decided to redo the layout with atlas code 55 track, turnouts etc. for a more prototypical look and because of track problems with the unitrak. not to mention i wanted to have all my rails solderd for better dcc operation and soldering was impossible with the unitrak at least for my skill level. however my question is regarding the atlas code 55 turnouts, to me they seem a little unreliable with the way they switch which im a little unsure about the whole set-up seems a little flimsey. like i said though im not familar with this at all yet so thats why i was wanting to know how they switch and how reliabe they are.