Are you using the Atlas switch/button to control the turnouts? They cana be a problem because of the way they are built. Bypass them for a test and apply the power directly to the contacts on the turnout. If still a problem, powdered graphite might help.
Check the mechanical surroundings of the turnout. It the switch-bar dtagging on something: a splinter of dust will do it.
Atlas switch/buttons are always a problem due to the sliding parts inside of it. Go for real buttons of momentary contact toggle switches.
Or just go all the way...
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If using a train power pack AC terminals, hook up a CDU unit to the AC terminals to power the turnouts. The capacitor in the unit should fire them. You can build your own or get a Snapper from Circuitron.
Just make sure the points are not sticking somewhere.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Sounds to Me like a trainset power pack is being used to control the train and the turnouts so there is not enough power to do both at the same time......sometimes it will work and sometimes not. Atlas does state that a minimum 2amps. should be used to reliably switch their turnouts.
Could use more info from OP.
Take Care!
Frank
Are you using AC, DC, or Capacitive discharge unit for operating the turnouts?
Question: Are your electrical switches wired is series, meaning that the power flows thru the 1st electrical switch to the 2nd and thru 2nd to 3d and so on.?
It helps to use the correct name for the components. The track"switch" is called a turnout. the electrical component that you push or slide to activate the turnout is a switch. The machine that is activated to actually move the turnout is called a switch machine. Using these terms make it clear to others exactly what is what.
Hello there and welcome! Did you try to switch out the location of the machines, meaning its getting hung up on something. Also seems you have a power issue. What are you using to power these? Atlas switch machines work off the AC power supply on a power pack or train transformer. Also, you say the first one does not work yet the other three do. If they are not under the table machines, try swapping out the first one with one of the other ones and see what happens. I think you have a power issue.
Neal
Hi everyone, I'm fairly new to the hobby and could use some help. I have 4 Atlas remote switches on my HO layout, and they all work fine except the very first one in line. It switches to the right with no issues. However, when I switch it to the left, it will work once or twice, then behave as though it's not getting enough juice. Once this behavior starts, it behaves similarly when I try to switch it to the right as well. And the other switches start to behave that way - but only after the behavior has begun on the first switch. (If I don't mess with the first one, the others invariably work fine.)
All of the switches work fine manually, and the loco always runs fine.
I switched out the wire for the left side of the switch to no avail. I am stumped!