Atlas curved turnout and undermount switch machine

[nycentral54]

I recently installed an Atlas code 100 curved turnout ( item 0287 ) and a delux undertable switch machine ( 0066 ) on my layout. I am using standard cork roadbed and a 1/2" plywood sub-base. The fit between the throw bar and the metal rod of the switch machine appears to be very loose and the points do not seem to close properly. Has anybody had any issues with using these switch machines with the new code 100 Atlas curved turnouts?

[MisterBeasley]

I've only used Atlas above-ground machines, but they all work pretty well.  These machines have a lot of overthrow, but it's the springiness of the throw wire that holds the points in place.

Do you have a large enough opening for the machine to travel its full extent without obstruction, in the absence of the turnout?  Does the throwbar move freely with little friction in the absence of the machine?

[RR_Mel]

I haven’t used any of the #66 switch machines but I do have 30 plus years experience with the #65.  They have never been more than marginal on my layout and they started failing a couple of years ago.

 

Because of the long throw required to get to the moving point rails it always takes more than one activation to secure the point rails to the stock rails.  Even though the switch machine locks there can still slight movement of the point rails as the train clears the turnout from the slop in the Atlas throw arm.

 

I modified several Atlas Custom Line turnouts to accept a Peco PL-10 switch machine. 

 

https://melvineperry.blogspot.com/2015/01/january-10-2015-turnout-modification.html

 

The modification works very good and much better than the #65 ever did.

 

The problem with the Atlas under layout switch machine is the moving arm inside the housing is too flimsily and it twists so the vertical throw arm can’t keep the turnout point rails against the stock rails.

 

I tried to reinforce it and that didn’t work.  Personally I wouldn’t go with the Atlas #65 or #66.  The actual movement of the Atlas switch machine is marginal even if it is close to the turnout, the further away or longer the throw arm the worse the situation.

 

 

The Peco conversion works great but it requires a 2½” hole under the turnout and quite a bit of somewhat tedious work.  I’ve modified 5 and all 5 work better than perfect.

 

The Atlas #65s did a fair job for many years (they were installed in 1989) but I have two more giving my problems, that makes 7 out of 21.

 

I’m in the process of cutting over to servos driven with an Arduino MEGA.  The servos have a lot of power and the amount of throw is adjustable as is the speed of the moving point rails.  The micro servos require a 1½” hole under the turnouts.  I’d rather cut a 1½” hole than screw around under my layout adjusting the Atlas.  The servo or Peco PL-10 drop in from above the layout beats crawling around on my knees.

 

 

Mel

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

[MisterBeasley]

Yes, I too have moved away from Atlas machines and even Atlas turnouts, as the last big upgrade to my layout was during the Great Atlas Track Shortage.

I love the way my Tortoise machines perform.

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

nycentral54

I recently installed an Atlas code 100 curved turnout ( item 0287 ) and a delux undertable switch machine ( 0066 ) on my layout. I am using standard cork roadbed and a 1/2" plywood sub-base. The fit between the throw bar and the metal rod of the switch machine appears to be very loose and the points do not seem to close properly. Has anybody had any issues with using these switch machines with the new code 100 Atlas curved turnouts?

 

I like Atlas track, although I use code 83, but I would never use an Atlas switch machine. Mel has already explained why.

I prefer slow motion machines like the Tortoise.

Sheldon

[nycentral54]

Thank you Mister Beasley. I did also buy some shinohara curved turnouts and tortoise machines but I installed this Atlas turnout because there was an existing 22" radius at that location and the Atlas was almost a perfect fit.

 

In the future it looks like Shinohara and Tortoise for me.

Thanks.