I bought a pair of used atlas turnouts, and they didn't come with the remote control switch. I do have a bunch from my N scale days, and was wondering if they are the same switch, or would work or not.
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I'm pretty sure they're the same switch. It's just a simple two position switch that you push down to make contact.
That's what I thought. I'm in no hurry to try it out, nor does it really matter if I fry it by trying it. The turnouts can be thrown manually, and I bought them to try them out to see what I think of Atlas track. I like the feel of it in my hand, nice and ridged. Looks nice, and the sound when pushing a boxcar over it compared to FasTrack is fabulous. But I'd still like to see how well they throw with the switch.
I'd recommend replacing the Atlas slide/push switches with SPDT center-off momentary toggle switches. They don't stick and you won't burn out your solenoids.
I'll keep that in mind when I actually go to build a layout. I have also read that the non-derail boards from Atlas also prevent motor burnout if used. Will still be a year or more before I get to that point though.
Sinclair,
Be prepared to "work" with the Atlas switch machine and switch combination. I use only Z Stuff machines now. The Atlas machines have a loooong solenoid connected to a rather clunky linkage mechanism that can struggle to complete the switch.
S
I've read of some of the issues of them, but for getting a pair used for less than the price of one new, I figured it was a good time to get some experience with them to see if I really want to use them, or do something crazy like Lee and use Atlas track and FasTrack turnouts. I know about Ross, but if I don't use Atlas turnouts and go to a hollow rail turnout of any kind it'll be FasTrack since I know from personal experience how bullet proof they are. The reason I'm even thinking Atlas over FasTrack is I really like the looks of atlas, and I have grown tired of the noise of FasTrack after 7+ years.
