Can somebody do me a favour and measure the actual length of an Atlas Customline Code 83 #8 switch?
Thanks,
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Atlas claims it is 13-1/2 inches long. See page 62 of following link:
http://download.atlasrr.com/2015TrackCatalog/48-87%20HO.pdf
That was quick!
Thanks maxman.
Next questions - how much can an Atlas Code 83 Customline turnout be shortened, and what problems may shortening the turnout cause?
Thanks
hon30critter Next questions - how much can an Atlas Code 83 Customline turnout be shortened, and what problems may shortening the turnout cause? Thanks Dave
It doesnt look very shortenable. Have you considered Peco code 83 #8s?
http://www.peco-uk.com/imageselector/Files/Track-templates/c83/SL-8381%20&%20SL-8382.pdf
Why do you need to shorten it? The diverging route ends very shortly after the frog. Like ALL Atlas Custom Line turnouts, the straight route is the perfect length to build a yard ladder with 2" track centers without any cutting or filling.
Trying to start a curve or another turnout closer to the frog is likely a bad idea.
It is likely to cause derailments.
BUT, Custom Line turnouts can be curved slightly. By carefully removing the tie web in the area of the closure rails, the turnout can be made into a very gradual curved turnout.
Sheldon
BMMECNYC hon30critter Next questions - how much can an Atlas Code 83 Customline turnout be shortened, and what problems may shortening the turnout cause? Thanks Dave It doesnt look very shortenable. Have you considered Peco code 83 #8s? http://www.peco-uk.com/imageselector/Files/Track-templates/c83/SL-8381%20&%20SL-8382.pdf
The PECO is likely worse because the diverging route extends just as far as the straight route.
Dave, it might help if we know what you be thinkin'. What do you have in mind?
-Crandell
ATLANTIC CENTRAL BMMECNYC hon30critter Next questions - how much can an Atlas Code 83 Customline turnout be shortened, and what problems may shortening the turnout cause? Thanks Dave It doesnt look very shortenable. Have you considered Peco code 83 #8s? http://www.peco-uk.com/imageselector/Files/Track-templates/c83/SL-8381%20&%20SL-8382.pdf The PECO is likely worse because the diverging route extends just as far as the straight route. Sheldon
It is almost a full inch shorter to start off (.85" shorter to be exact).
The one or two ties on the points end can likely be removed (along with the rail), along with the 1st tie on the frog end on each route.
How much do you need to shorten the turnout.
BMMECNYC ATLANTIC CENTRAL BMMECNYC hon30critter Next questions - how much can an Atlas Code 83 Customline turnout be shortened, and what problems may shortening the turnout cause? Thanks Dave It doesnt look very shortenable. Have you considered Peco code 83 #8s? http://www.peco-uk.com/imageselector/Files/Track-templates/c83/SL-8381%20&%20SL-8382.pdf The PECO is likely worse because the diverging route extends just as far as the straight route. Sheldon It is almost a full inch shorter to start off (.85" shorter to be exact). The one or two ties on the points end can likely be removed (along with the rail), along with the 1st tie on the frog end on each route. How much do you need to shorten the turnout.
Exactly, that's why I asked why he wants to shorten it?
In fact, the PECO and the ATLAS are within 1/8" when measured from the frog point to the end of the diverging route, with the ATLAS actually being shorter in that dimension by 1/8".
I have removed that much of the straight route from an ATLAS number eight, making it effectively the same size as the PECO, but NOT to start a curve that close to the frog.
And again, the reason and advantage to the longer straight route on the ATLAS is to build 2" track center yard ladders with no little filler pieces.
Sorry, I should have given a more detailed explanation.
Here's the reason for the question:
As some of you are aware, my plan has been chosen as the design that will be used for the new club layout. The problem is that I used Peco Code 100 turnouts to build the plan (in 3rd PlanIt). I managed to make everything fit nicely in our available space using the Code 100 turnouts.
Then I learned that the Peco Code 100 turnouts may not be the best choice because of the rather sharp frog angle (12 degrees regardless of turnout size). In particular, Byron (cuyama) warned me that there may be problems with longer equipment in crossovers because of the sharp angle. I choose to respect his advice.
By comparison, both the Peco Code 83 #8s and the Atlas Customline #8s have a frog angle of approx. 7.15 degrees and are therefore a much better choice for crossovers, and main line turnouts in general. The problem is that both the Peco and Atlas Code 83 #8 turnouts are considerably longer than than the Peco Code 100 Large turnout that I used in the original plan. The Peco Code 83 is 12 21/32" long and the Atlas is 13 1/2" long. The Peco Code 100 Large turnout is only 10 7/32". Given that things were a tight fit to begin with, trying to fit the longer turnouts into the original plan while maintaining a minimum 32" radius (with easements) has proven to be a challenge. I have been able to make the Peco Code 83 #8s work, but the longer Atlas #8s are not working. Hence the question - "can I shorten an Atlas Code 83 #8 turnout?" (to make it fit into the same space as a Peco Code83 #8). Sounds like that's not likely possible.
The motive would be to try and save some money. I feel I have an obligation to the club to explore all possible options. We are looking at a total of 75 - 80 turnouts.
I would appreciate any suggestions regarding this issue.
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