Question about Atlas Custom Line Turn Outs. I have purchased several #6 Custom Line Turn Outs. What is the best way to wire these with a DCC system for maximum efficiency? I haven’t installed any of these yet but plan to in the near future. I am planning on using Caboose Industries manual ground throws to operate the rails. I have read that the Atlas turn outs have a “dead spot” because they are power routing? Could anyone explan how all this works compared to the more expensive Peco Electrofrog and Micro Engineering turn outs?
Thanks, Mark
Atlas Custom Line turnouts are NOT power routing and need no special wiring for DC or DCC. The only drawback to them is the plastic frog, which can cause dead spots if you run very short wheelbase locomotives such as an 0-4-0.
Hi!
As said, no special wiring is needed. I have several # 6s and all locos go thru them without hesitation. I also have several #8s, and they DO require wiring due to the rather long "dead" frog. Atlas makes relays (150-200) which can handle two turnouts at the same time.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
cacole Atlas Custom Line turnouts are NOT power routing and need no special wiring for DC or DCC. The only drawback to them is the plastic frog, which can cause dead spots if you run very short wheelbase locomotives such as an 0-4-0.
Atlas Custom Line turnouts do not have plastic frogs. They have metal frogs that are isolated from both running rails. The frog has a wiring lug that can be used to power it through contacts on a switch machine or using Atlas's Snap Relay.
Atlas "Snap Switches" which are vry sharp and equal 18" and 22' radius curves do have plastic frogs - that is a completely diffeent product from the Custom Line product.
Atlas Custom Line turnouts, available in #4, #6 and #8, make perfectly spaced 2" track center crossovers without any cutting and create 2" track center yard ladders as well. The latest versions have solid metal points and a throw bar that is reversable.
Sheldon
Nothign special, my entire layotu is made up of Atlas track components. All #4's on this layout, the COde 83 ones have a metal frog with provisions for attaching a power feed. I did this by screwing in a brass 1-72 screw and soldering a wire to the screw, the pot metal used for the frog casting does not take solder, even when the blackening is buffed off. Having done that prior to installation, I found that none of my locos, not even my little Bachmann 44-tonner, has a problem with NO power to the frogs. Old Mr Murphy being who he is, had I NOT put the wires on ahead of time, I would have locos stalling on the frogs and then have to go back and figure out how to$1***$2the wires later.
Since I already have the relay accessories that go with my Tam Valley servo controllers, I will probably hook up at least the ones in my yard and cement plant, where locos will be moving the slowest. Just in case.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
mrazz Question about Atlas Custom Line Turn Outs. I have purchased several #6 Custom Line Turn Outs. What is the best way to wire these with a DCC system for maximum efficiency? I haven’t installed any of these yet but plan to in the near future. I am planning on using Caboose Industries manual ground throws to operate the rails. I have read that the Atlas turn outs have a “dead spot” because they are power routing? Could anyone explan how all this works compared to the more expensive Peco Electrofrog and Micro Engineering turn outs? Thanks, Mark
Mark,
As others have pointed out, the Atlas Custom Line turnout is ready to go in DCC, no special wiring.
The only thing you need to be concerned about is that all three ends of the turnout are receiving power. Best not to solder the turnouts to adjoining tracks, but be sure the rail joiners are tight or to be extra sure, wire a feeder wire to each rail joiner on each of the 3 legs of the turnout.
Rich
Alton Junction
Thanks for all the quick responses. I am very relieved that I do not have to buy different turn outs since I have already purchased about 10 Atlas custom line turn outs.
mrazz Thanks for all the quick responses. I am very relieved that I do not have to buy different turn outs since I have already purchased about 10 Atlas custom line turn outs.
You will like them. I have lost count of how many I have on my layout. I have never had any reason to purchase alternative turnouts such as Peco which I am sure are just fine.
I only have one Atlas Custom line turnout (#6) and I soldered a feeder to the underside of the frog without any problem. I didn't know you shouldn't or that there was a terminal (mine is mounted and ballasted for over a year now so I can't go back and check). I have Shinohara and Peco on the rest but now that I spent all the extra $$$$ on them I realize I could have just as easily used Atlas on all of them. I have problems with some of the Walthers/Shinohara turnouts because they were out of gage and had to be fixed.
- Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!