Turn-out brands

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by lesterperry

I have bought my last Atlas switch. I am change to all peco. The electrical continuity in my atlas switches are failing. This is a pain in the ____ when they are ballasted

Ditto!

[HAZMAT9]

This does help, thanks!

[jecorbett]

This is basic info for newbies but the number of a turnout is an indication of the angle of divergence. In simple terms, if you start from the point of the frog, it is the number of feet (scale feet for model railroads) of length you have to go to get one foot of divergence between the rails. For example, on a #6, at 6 scale feet from the frog, the rails will be 1 scale foot apart. On real railroads, #12 was typical but #8 is suitable for a large layout. Smaller layouts usually go with #6s or even #4s. You need to adopt a standard for your situation. For me, it is #8s for mainline crossovers or sidings, #6 for everything else.

[colvinbackshop]

David:
I have both Peco and Atlas on my pike.
The Peco have proven to be the most reliable....I'm not ripping out any Atlas that are already installed, but Peco are now being used on the "modeled" layout with any remaining Atlas (already on hand) being used in staging where there is no ballasting.
And Steve:
The larger the number (#4, #6, #8.....) of a turnout, the larger the radius of the diverging rail. Hope that helps you out.

[ereimer]

for my small (8x14) layout i'll be using peco , and if i find i need some comfiguration that peco doesn't make i'll use walthers/shinohara

[HAZMAT9]

Speaking of turnouts, can someone steer me to a site or explain the many turnouts available and differences...example #4, #6, customline differences? Can't find a site to explain particulars plus my reference books all assume that you already know this stuff. I've used Atlas snap in the past and have been installing #4's, #6's a some customs on my layout based on a track plan from Atlas. I'm using Code 83 turnouts...any help would be appreciated. Steve

[lesterperry]

I have bought my last Atlas switch. I am change to all peco. The electrical continuity in my atlas switches are failing. This is a pain in the ____ when they are ballasted

[nfmisso]

David;

For reliability; Peco can not be beat.

For appearance, ME, CV or hand lay are the way to go.

Walthers (Shinohara) are somewhere in the middle on both counts.
Atlas is cheaper, and fairly reliable.

[jecorbett]

I guess it's more a question of the number of turnouts than the overall size of your layout. Even a relatively small layout could have lots of turnouts if you have a good sized yard, numerous sidings, etc. I use mostly Atlas because even though they are cheaper than other brands, they still work well, are always readily available at my HS and easy to attach undermounted switch machines to. I have a few special switches where I use a Walthers because Atlas doesn't have what I need. I have one 32/36 curved turnout and I also installed a few #8s before Atlas came out with their #8s. I had to use a Peco switch machine with the Walthers because the Atlas plastic pin was to flexible to move the tighter Walthers throw bar. The Peco pin was slightly too large for the hole in the Walthers throw bar so I substituted a chopped off T-pin, available at any office supply store. It was just the right size. I assume if you used Pecos turnouts, the pin would be the correct size.

[Anonymous]

I'm in the process of designing a new layout and I'd love some advice on turn-out brands. I've always used Atlas cd.100, but I'm looking to make the switch to code 83. The cheapness of Atlas is tempting, but I am willing to pay more if it would lead to increased reliability. I'm intrigued by the new Peco because of the positive locking feature, but the price gives me pause. So...if you were building a small 8x11 layout which would you choose...
Atlas, Peco, Walthers, or Micro-engineering?

Thanks!
David
Brunswick, ME