BIG PROBLEM-Under table switch machines

[hwolf]

I have just purchased Atlas Under table switch machines. The problem is 2 double crossovers by Walthers. The center hole on these crossovers between the tracks is too big and the switch arm will not throw the points. The hole on the side does not seem to allow enough force to hold the points tight to the rail.Someone suggested that I fill the hole with CA glue and then redrill a smaller hole. I sure can use some good advice.

[cacole]

Instead of filling the hole with CA and drilling a smaller one, why not just drill the smaller hole a slight distance away from the current hole, and leave it alone? Trying to fill a hole with CA is not a good idea. Personally, I would use something other than those Atlas machines, such as a Tortoise.

[nfmisso]

Take the Atlas machines back, get Tortise. One Tortise can easily handle all four switches in a double crossover. E-mail directly for a sketch of the linkages required.

[Don Gibson]

Double Crossovers:

With the comparative low cost of twin coils, 4 individual units, is practical and can be wired for 'straight through' or 'crossover' mode.Using one machine for four turnouts requires some tricky linkage. Real railroads prefer 2 single crossovers.

Electrical 'polarity' is the tricky part: - as a crossover can be a 'reversing loop' and even DCC requires a separate block longer than a train. In short, the mechanical part is the easiest.

Did you consider the suggestion to drill a hole in the throw bar to fit? - regardless of the make of switch machine. Frankly, for such a complicated (and expensive) piece of trackwork, I wouldn't use Atlas unless you like to spend a lot of time adjusting underneath the table. I have 3 Double Slip switches each feeding the other, and I am powering each of them with 4 separate switch motors and power routing them through SPDT contacts, besides.

EXPENSIVE... you bet, but I want it to work .

[Anonymous]

Rather than making the hole smaller try making the peg bigger. Strip off some wire extrusion and slip it over the switch arm pin.

[nslakediv]

the atlas machines will not have enough pressure to hold point tight. made the same mistake when i started layout 10 years ago, switched to tortise and will never look back. the atlas machine would not evwen throw atlas code 83 points, its thier own product even. i have used 1 tortise to control 2 turnouts, pretty easy but takes a little tinkering. well worth the cost. you can usually get tortise's for $15.00 a pc, can also buy 6 and 12 pks which drops the price per motor even more. good luck. o, make sure to gap between the frogs or you will short everytime.