wiring a crossover using a single SPDT switch and solenoid switch machines

[IDRick]

I have some Atlas under-table switch machines and want to wire a small layout with a cross over track and some sidings.  I know, I know, many will say silly move to use Atlas but I own them and want to give them a try.  I also know that a Circuitron Snapper CD is a good choice if I decide to use the atlas switch machines long term.

Using atlas SPDT

(link below shows how to wire and control two switch machines with Atlas SPDT)

https://www.building-your-model-railroad.com/turnouts.html

Using miniature SPDT  (Link below wiring a single switch)

https://www.building-your-model-railroad.com/solenoid.html

I prefer to use miniature SPDT but have questions on this diagram.

1) The AC terminals on my power pack are not labeled + and - as shown in the link diagram.  The + and - are an error, correct.

2) The outer two connections from the SPDT to switch-machine have the same color wire.  Any need to color code these two wires, especially when wiring two switch machines to a single SPDT?

3) I do not understand how to wire a crossover with two switch machines as in the diagram for solenoid switch machines.  The first shows how for the atlas SPDT but I'm not understanding the differences.  Can someone show a diagram that explains how to wire two solenoid switch machines to a single SPDT?

Thank you!

[RR_Mel]

The SPDT switch needs to be a Momentary Center Off or your switch machines will be toast.

 

You simply reverse the two outside wire on one switch machine.

 

 

Mel

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

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

 

[BigDaddy]

IDRick

1) The AC terminals on my power pack are not labeled + and - as shown in the link diagram. The + and - are an error, correct.

It's AC, there is no + or -

IDRick

2) The outer two connections from the SPDT to switch-machine have the same color wire. Any need to color code these two wires, especially when wiring two switch machines to a single SPDT?

Years later you are going to be sorry if you don't color code.

Momentary is critical in using a SPDT switch for an Atlas switch machine.  Not all SPDT switches are.

I don't know if what you propose is feasible as there might not be enough umph, but if it is, you would run 2 red wires and 2 green wires, one each to each switch machine.

If Mel says reverse them on one machine, Mel knows.

[RR_Mel]

Actually I was wrong.  When you reverse the turnout that reverses the wires.

 

Mel

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

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

[IDRick]

Thanks Mel and Henry!

[RR_Mel]

Actually the Atlas under the layout turnout works very good, I used them for 25 years and they always hung in there.  The only thing wrong with the ATL-65 is the limitation of the operating length of the throw arm.  They get puny if you have to operate them at the full length of the throw arm.

 

  

 

Mel

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

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

 

[RR_Mel]

If it was me starting out with the #65s I'd try attaching them direct to the bottom of the turnout and making room for them to install from the top.  Cut a hole for them.  They’re a bugger bear to align from under the layout.

 

  

 

Mel

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

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