Hi all, I successfully installed my first decoder. cant believe I didn't wreck something. So I begin testing it. as it runs arround the track I hear it hitting something. at closer inspection the loco has a (well I don't know what it is) those things that stick out toward the coupler at the bottom of the stairs.
Those corners of the extensions on both sides hit the Atlas turnout switch Machines. The switch machines are installed correctly and none of the other locos or rolling stock I have hit them.
Any Ideas? Do I modify the part?
Gary
Good job on the decoder!
It's very satisfying when everything works as it should.
On the other hand, it's annoying when you discover another problem so close on the heels of success.
The things hitting the switch machines are footboards. Brakemen used to have to ride them while coupling cars and connecting brake hoses. Modern locomotives don't have them, because that practice is no longer allowed.
Atlas used to make an extender piece that went between its switch machine and the turnout. It's sort of L shaped, and has two sets of holes to line up with the screw holes on the machines and the turnouts. If you have these old-style switch machines, this part might help you.
Current Atlas turnouts have snap-in switch machines, so that option is gone.
As long as the switch machine is securely fastened to something, you can move it farther from the turnout. That would be my preference to hacking up my model.
You could also check online photos to see if the footboards are correct for this locomotive. You might get lucky and find photos by simply googling Soo Line 100.
Eric
Hello all,
Eric WhiteAtlas used to make an extender piece that went between its switch machine and the turnout.
These extenders are still include with the Atlas Remote Snap Switch turnouts and the remote switch machines.
You might try contacting Atlas and see if these are available as a separate item.
I use these on my pike because the sideframes of my GP40's were clipping the remote switch machines.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Eric White Good job on the decoder! It's very satisfying when everything works as it should. On the other hand, it's annoying when you discover another problem so close on the heels of success. The things hitting the switch machines are footboards. Brakemen used to have to ride them while coupling cars and connecting brake hoses. Modern locomotives don't have them, because that practice is no longer allowed. Atlas used to make an extender piece that went between its switch machine and the turnout. It's sort of L shaped, and has two sets of holes to line up with the screw holes on the machines and the turnouts. If you have these old-style switch machines, this part might help you. Current Atlas turnouts have snap-in switch machines, so that option is gone. As long as the switch machine is securely fastened to something, you can move it farther from the turnout. That would be my preference to hacking up my model. You could also check online photos to see if the footboards are correct for this locomotive. You might get lucky and find photos by simply googling Soo Line 100. Eric
Thanks Eric
I have a bunch of those! Never thought I would use them. I'll give it a try.
Well, that wasn't as easy as it sounded. In order to add the extension plate i had to remove ballast and some of the roadbed or the plate lifted the turnout at the connection point and distorted it. One more to go.
I also have a PECO switch machine that does the same thing with this locomotive and a BLI passenger car. Do they also have something like the Atlas extension?
You know it just breaks my heart to pieces to hear the beautiful Atlas RS-1 called a Bachmann RS-1.
Don't you mean the Bachmann RS-3?
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Way back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (so, early to mid-1960s) I had a similar problem with Atlas switch machines and a steam locomotive front pilot. And there was some reason (no longer recall) why I didn't want to use the Atlas switch machine extender piece.
I am pretty sure I ended up filing away on the plastic switch machine cover rather than modify my locomotive.
Dave Nelson
I also had that problem on my previous layout. In my case the offending parts on the switches were the screws holding the power wires. I eliminated the problem by grinding down the screws.
Simon