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Atlas Turnouts, Supplemental Wiring

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  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Central Vermont
  • 4,557 posts
Atlas Turnouts, Supplemental Wiring
Posted by cowman on Saturday, January 12, 2019 7:50 PM

At least this time I looked up my old question before asking the question again.  Found the question, but the problem is the photo is no longer available.  Checked with Mr Google and found plenty of "how to wire an Atlas turnout" but not the supplemental wiring I am looking for.  

What I am looking for is a diagram that wired the various rails on an Atlas turnout to other rails on the same turnout.  Someone posted the diagram for me before and I copies it, but a long search earlier this evening says 'I lost it."  The search here has proved fruitless too.  I almost think the diagram was printed  in MR at some point, but found no reference to it with the searchs I conducted.  

If you could post the diagram or tell me what issue it can be found in, it would be greatfully appreciated.

My hope is to improve operations for me, while I still own it and have a good operation layout for the future new owner, should I be lucky enough to sell it when my new layout becomes operational.  Wouldn't want to try to get a new modler interested in the hobby with a balky layout.

Thank you for the help,

Richard

 

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Saturday, January 12, 2019 9:52 PM

 Hmm, all I ever did with Atlas turnouts was put feed wires on both rails of all 3 legs. The rails are all connected internally in the same manner that a wheel travels over them, just the frog is isolated, either plastic in snap track turnouts, or metal with plastic insulatros on the Custom Line ones. And there is a readinly visible piece of metal where the points pivot that connect the stock and closure rail as well as the point rail.

                                      --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,581 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Saturday, January 12, 2019 11:18 PM

Hi Richard,

You might be thinking of 'Wiring for DCC' by Allan Gartner. Scroll down a bit to the Atlas turnout diagrams:

http://wiringfordcc.com/switches.htm

this is a picture of a Peco turnout with the jumpers attached, but the Atlas Customline turnouts are done the same way. Note, Customline, not Snap!

Ignore the factory installed jumpers in the middle of the picture that have been cut. Atlas doesn't have those. The Atlas frogs are already isolated.

When the turnouts are wired this way you only need one set of feeders to the stock (outside) rails, and one feeder to the frog if you choose to power it.

You have to cut a depression in the roadbed to allow for clearance of the jumper wires or they will get trapped below the turnout and jam the point rails.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,706 posts
Posted by zstripe on Sunday, January 13, 2019 6:56 AM

I don't know if these diagrams are what You are asking........they are for powering the isolated frog on a Atlas custom line turnout with a snap relay for DC running. As far as I know there is no special wiring for an Atlas turnout for DCC ready......they are already:

 

Atlas snap switch info:

I have posted these before on the Forums.

Take Care! Big Smile

Frank

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Central Vermont
  • 4,557 posts
Posted by cowman on Thursday, January 17, 2019 5:05 PM

Thank you for your replies.  When I get the chance I will try to use them to improve my turnout.

Thanks again,

Richard

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