Turnout Questions

[Anonymous]

I have a small (4'x6') layout consisting of 1/4" plywood with a 1/4" homasote board attached to the top of it. I am running HO scale with Atlas Code 83 track. For turnouts I am using Atlas Remote Snap Switches and have found them to be unreliable at best. I am wiring them to a power supply in order to be able to throw them remotely. I recently heard about Tortoise switch machines and wonder if thet can be used with the Atlas Remote Snap Switches if I remove the solenoids from the switch machines themselves or can someone here recommend a diffrent turnour solution in Code 83.

[ndbprr]

Tortise switch machines can be used with any turnout. All that is needed is a hole of sufficient width in the layout so the wire can throw the turnout and a small hole in the tunrnout or linkage for the wire to move the points. In your case you will have to drill a hole up through the layout for the throw wire. The hardest part will be finding the right location for the hole but once that is established all you need to do is wrap a piece of tape around your drill bit at the proper depth so when you drill inot the layout it stops right below your throwbar height. However you do not describe the problem you are having. If it is points not contacting the rails it should solve that problem. If it is something else you may need a different solution.