I have a bunch of Atlas turnouts that I would like to use on my new layout. They are code 100 and the track is code 83. That is not my major problem though, since I can use those transition connectors and file the turnouts. Before I do all that work, I need to know if the turnouts are compatible with dcc. I also have some reversing loops. Do I have to purchase new turnouts or can the old ones be modified?
Thanks
Marty
Are they brass or nickel-silver? Brass is the old stuff, more gold in color, while NS is the current standard. NS is generally better because it doesn't need to be cleaned as often. There are those who still use brass track, but you can't find it any more in stores. That should tell you something.
Other than the rail material, Atlas turnouts haven't changed much in 50 years. I have a bunch of half-century-old brass turnouts from a previous layout. I didn't use them, but I did take off the twin-coil switch machines and those are in use today. They still connect to snap-switches on the same mounts. Electrically, these old turnouts are the same as the ones you'd buy today.
But, take a look and see what kind of shape they're in. If the rails are loose in the plastic web, or if there are worn spots or loose points, then these will likely give you trouble. It may be a bit more expense now, but unless they're in pretty good shape, it will be a lot more trouble to replace them once they're glued in place and ballasted.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Turnouts are the only piece of trackwork with moving parts, so if anything is ever going to give you trouble that will be it.
Old Atlas turnouts used rivets to fasten the point rails and those rivets were notorious for causing electrical loss due to wear and their looseness.
Save yourself a lot of aggravation and get new Atlas code 83 turnouts. The difference in quality between the two is like night and day.
Over the past year I have had to go around and replace six or so old Atlas #6 code 100 turnouts on our HO scale club layout because they were wearing out. I replaced them with Peco.
Thanks for the info. I was inclined to replace them since they have not been installed yet and I was not thrilled about spending time matching the code 83 to the code 100 by filing.
Thank you for the prompt response. They are all nickel silver. They seem to be in pretty good shape, but sitting in a box for twenty years, who knows? Since they have not been laid, glued, or ballasted, I might bite the bullet and go for new ones. I have limited time and prefer not to file. I'm not sure how the electrical connections integrate with DCC.
The newer ones in Code 83 are definitely better made than the old ones. I had absolutely no issues using them with DCC, even without ever powering the frogs. The only 'issues' with cars bumping through the frogs were ALWAYS traced to out of gauge wheels. Sure there are others that look better, but the Atlas ones are relatively inexpensive and they do work, especially the #6 ones.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
fmartybeeI need to know if the turnouts are compatible with dcc.
I've got 40+ year old Atlas C100 switches that still work fine - even the ugly switch machines!! If you are concerned, how about using them for a staging area or other "hidden" trackage - or at least using them where they're easy to get at if they have to be changed!
fmartybee Thank you for the prompt response. They are all nickel silver. They seem to be in pretty good shape, but sitting in a box for twenty years, who knows? Since they have not been laid, glued, or ballasted, I might bite the bullet and go for new ones. I have limited time and prefer not to file. I'm not sure how the electrical connections integrate with DCC. Marty
Heck, if you're getting rid of them, let me know, I'll take them. My mainline is code 100, with spurs in code 83. I've used some older ones on my current layout (GASP) brass rail. I did make them easily accessable for cleaning.