I have been running DC for many years and have converted all my Atlas snap switches to select control by cutting the metal strip connecting the positive rails. Otherwords when a train is on the sideing after entering past the switch I snap the switch back to ther main line position and that loco won't run until I snap the switch back. I want to go into DCC but I have many snap switches. Is the a simple way to rewire them or do I have to replace all of them. Also will I have problems with the old switches when I convert..Thanks
I don't foresee a problem, it sounds like you've set them up as "power routing" turnouts. Just as before, when you "park" a train on a siding, and snap the switch, the train won't get power any more. This should not pose a problem, as long as you don't need the train "powered up" for some reason. And it'll save on current draw as well. You could add a feeder wire(s) to the sidings if needed or desired, but if everything is working and running smoothly now, then it should continue to do so with DCC.
Brad
EMD - Every Model Different
ALCO - Always Leaking Coolant and Oil
CSX - Coal Spilling eXperts
When you cut that metal strip, the only thing that you did was to eliminate power beyond the divergent track of the turnout. That permits you to run a loco on the main line in DC without also moving that loco on the siding.
In DCC, locos move in response to their decoders as opposed to DC where locos move in response to power applied to the rails.
So, if you simply add a pair of feeder wires to the end of the divergent track on the turnout toward the siding, you will reapply power to the siding. The loco on the powered siding will still sit motionless until the decoder receives instructions to move.
Rich
Alton Junction
Assuming you don't attach feeder wires to the areas that don't get power when the turnout is in the normal position, the engines will perform exactly as they did with DC. they will be dead on the divergent track Should you wish to override the 'power routing" feature of your altered turnouts, and have power all the time to the divergent track, simply attach feeder wired to the divergent track.
Thank you all very much, It's a relief knowing I don't have to buy new switches..wiring is the easy part, Again thank you