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Switch Machine under table mounting

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  • Member since
    April 2003
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Switch Machine under table mounting
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 5, 2002 4:06 PM
Have a large number of Atlas Switch Machines I would like to mount under the subroadbed on my new layout. Any suggestions as to how to do this? Are there any mountings or linkages available?
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 5, 2002 7:48 PM
Hi,

Do you have the Under The Table Switch machines? If so, I believe they include the instructions for doing this with them. If not, they illustrate it in the new Atlas 2002 catalog, as well as in a couple of their beginner books for modelers. Hope that helped.

-Wolv33
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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 6, 2002 2:17 PM
Thanks.... What I have are the old mount on top next to the turnout type. If I can mount them under the table somehow, I woun't have to spend the money on new style under the table machines.
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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 6, 2002 2:45 PM
Hmmmmmm....

Maybe someone else here can help with that, or you might want to contact Atlas directly. Though, they will probably tell you to purchase their under the table switch machines. I haven't ever had this dilemma, since I used the under the table machines. There are a couple other companies you might want to check with, if you change your mind about re-purchasing. Tortoise switch machines work great with Atlas track. Not sure, but I think Peco has something too.

You have to come up with something that resembles the long arm that the Atlas under the table machines use. That would be the only modification you would have to do. I am sure you could somehow modify the ontop table machines, just not sure how. Good luck.

-Wolv33
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Posted by falk55 on Sunday, April 7, 2002 5:45 PM
Hi:
You can contact Atlas by calling 1-800-872-2521,ext 7132 and ask for Wayne.You can buy the conversion kit for $1.00.This includes one throw rod and one mounting adapter.I have purchased 40 of these.They are easy to convert.The handling charge was $5.00.Total $45.00.If you have access to the NMRA bulletin,there was an article in the June 1992 edition.
Have fun
Gil.
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, April 8, 2002 1:56 PM
Thank you very much!!
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, April 8, 2002 7:48 PM
At your train store you should be able to fine a link or the bar that convert your old motor's in to a under table I know because I have bought them.
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 2:09 PM
I'm new to model ralroading & have inherited some under the table switch machines I have no idea how to install. they're shaped like a can(closed on both ends) & have the name 'hankscraft motor'. can anyone point me in a direction to get some hlp. thanks.
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 2:56 PM
An article by Jim Hediger that appeared in M.R. August 1996 page 64 titled "Hide those switch motors" would answer your questions re hiding Atlas switch motors - article deals with Atlas number 65 bottom mounting switch machines but said article could also prove useful for earlier Atlas turnouts - I've mounted my switch machines under the layouts years ago and never had any problems with installation - try to get copy of article I'am sure it will prove useful to you - if like me you are using older Atlas turnouts do like I did - I glued the motor right under the turnout - carefull bent the actuating pin in order for it to feed through the switch rod (a number 55 hole drilled through the switch rod is fine) now dig out a trench in your roadbed and track board or whatever you are using so turnout and motor will fit and you are off and running -
I hope above will be of some help to you - its difficult to explain in writing what I did but if you want more let me know - take care
Rudy Montreal Canada





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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 3:50 PM
Thanks Rudy! Yours is the best, most comprehensive reply I have read. I will try and find the article in MR you mentioned. Do you have it? Can you fax it to me? Thanks much either way.
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 1, 2002 4:37 PM
Yes I have it but unfortunately have no access to fax machine - any ideas ?
Rudy
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 1, 2002 5:51 PM
Thought of another way of getting you the information you require - if I had your E-mail address I could scan the article and send it to you - let me know
Rudy
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 6, 2002 2:59 PM
Rudy, aren't scanners great!! I would appreciate you sending me the information very much. My address is akadad1@aol.com Many thanks

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