I have four troublesome Atlas #6 snap switch turnouts. I replaced one with a custom line. electrical continuity at the points was better but the high plastic frogs problem remains.
DMK
The #6 switch is a 'custon-line' switch. The snap switches are something different.
So sand down the high plactic frogs (although I have not seen that to be a problem)
Maybe it is the wheels on your rtolling stock. Maybe the flanges on your wheelsets are too deep. Maybe your equipment had "cookie-cutter" wheelsets. Replace the wheels with RP 25 wheel sets, unless of course they deep flanges are on your locomotive, in witch case ewe need a gnu locomotive.
number 4, number 6, number 8, number 1o etc all describe the percent of diversion from the tangent. (If you do not know what I just said, ask and we will explain)
Snap switches on the otter hand (otters always have two hands) are ment to fit into sections of snap track. The tangent (straight) leg of the switch replaces on section of track, so that the geometry of a layour made with sectional track will be maintained.
The diversion leg of the switch equals 2/3rds of a curve section, and comes with a separate 1/3rd section to either complete the curve on a sectional layout, or to move in a direction paralell of the tangent.
Snap Track and switches would not typically be used on serious layout, but custom line switches would not typically be used on a kid's first layout.
Of course I am still a kid at heart and so you will find both on my layout eventhough I consider myself a serious layout builder... after a fashion.
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
I mentioned this in another thread. I bought a snap switch instead of a Custom Line #4 by mistake. While running a test after laying the track, the plastic frog melted. Apparently the two frog rails were not properly isolated from each other causing a short which produced enough heat to melt the plastic. Needless to say I replaced it with a Custom Line #4. I'll be more careful next time I need to buy a turnout.
Dave KI have four troublesome Atlas #6 snap switch turnouts. I replaced one with a custom line.
Dave, I thought you were building an N scale layout, or am I confusing you with someone else?
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I am in N scale
I've decided to replace the Atlas #4 turnouts with # 6 turnouts on my main rails to improve operation of my steam locomotives.
Lastspikemike I found that the round tab on the side of the frog just has a hole in it. I tap the hold with 1-76 tab, then feed power to the frog with a toggle switch. When I get around to installing Tortoise turnout controls, they have the polarity wiring tabs built it. Dave K I have four troublesome Atlas #6 snap switch turnouts. I replaced one with a custom line. electrical continuity at the points was better but the high plastic frogs problem remains. DMK Custom line turnouts have metal frogs painted black. Should be a frog power metal tab you can solder a power feed wire to, sticking out the straight side (unless it's a wye in which case the metal tab is right next to the frog). I'be had to file down metal frogs on Atlas custom line turnouts because the plastic tie moulding is poor quality under the frog. Seems to be heat distorted.
I found that the round tab on the side of the frog just has a hole in it. I tap the hold with 1-76 tab, then feed power to the frog with a toggle switch. When I get around to installing Tortoise turnout controls, they have the polarity wiring tabs built it.
Dave K I have four troublesome Atlas #6 snap switch turnouts. I replaced one with a custom line. electrical continuity at the points was better but the high plastic frogs problem remains. DMK
Custom line turnouts have metal frogs painted black. Should be a frog power metal tab you can solder a power feed wire to, sticking out the straight side (unless it's a wye in which case the metal tab is right next to the frog).
I'be had to file down metal frogs on Atlas custom line turnouts because the plastic tie moulding is poor quality under the frog. Seems to be heat distorted.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR