Atlas or RCS Turnouts - Help!

Hi Peter:

I went with Atlas turnouts. I haven't had problems. I was able to wire them to both the switch controller that comes with the turnout as well as to the Lionel SC-2 successfully (i do not consider myself an expert). Also, help is always around here on the Forum as well as on the Internet.

I haven't eve rtried Ross turnouts but have heard they are excellent. I liked the fact that the Atlas track all "matches" and was able to order everything from one vendor.

Hope this heps,

Bruce

I have used the Atlas track and switches with no issues, as others note proper installation is key.  My experience doesn't mean that others have not had issues in the past.  However Ross has some switches that are not available in Atlas, so based on your track plan you may be able to do more with RCS.

I think it is your call, current versions of either will work fine.

Wiring all three ends of the switch is the smart way to wire them, but has nothing to do with the  switch machine. Dale H provided a circuit to fire the machines with capacitors. I use sc2 with a separate transformer at 18 volts with no problems.  

I have a number of atlas turnouts wired to their new #57 controllers, most wired with non derail boards. Very happy with them. They look great and match the track, which to me was very important. Fred

The tie spacing between Atlas track and Gargraves or RCS track makes them visually unappealing.  I recently bought a piece of Atlas flex track to finish a siding and it just looks out of place with all the big wooden ties of the GG/RCS stuff.

I'd stick with Atlas switches if all your track is Atlas.  Make sure each switch is on a flat surface.

I decided to go with Atlas track and switches as well. Like you I read about all the potential problems but I can report that after a year of using Atlas switches (all purchased in 2011) that I have had no problems with the switch machines. I have them hooked to an SC-2 and powered with the small Lionel 1.8 amp accessory transformer. All are working great...so far.  -Len

OK, thanks very much.  Again, I'm just now figuring out turnout machines and I'm not an electronics guy.  What exactly is an "sc2" and a capacitor?  Does Atlas sell these things and do they provide "barney" instructions on how to hook up?  Is there a diagram somewhere (a link to that page would be super helpful, as I can't find it!) that shows how to properly wire the Atlas turnout machine?  

THANKS - Peter   

Peter,

I have 45 Atlas-O, 12 RCS turnouts, and Atlas track on my layout. If it hadn’t been because I needed curved turnouts that Atlas did not offer, I would have used all Atlas.

Bottom line: On retrospect, I wish I would have redesigned my layout with all Atlas turnouts and n RCS.

Atlas Turnouts

A couple of them had the small plastic link that attaches the solenoid arm/cam to the throw bar come loose during installation. I easily put them back in place by snapping the motor cover off to gain access to the link, and then snap it back in place.

I have had to redo or add a jumper to some of the wire connections under the turnouts, and this has been the only issue.

I have not had any problems with the operation of the turnouts, and no derailment issues either. Make sure to install the small plastic shoe that comes with the turnouts to insure that some of the pickup rollers do not hang up. Notice that although they look alike, there is a left and a right shoe.

RCS Turnouts

I bought them with the DZ-1000 motors. The DZs are not just solenoids, but have quite a few components to throw the points. There is a motor, a limit switch, some electronics, and cam, etc. In spite of a rather well-thought design, two or three of the 12 turnouts do not operate reliably even after all the remedies that have been recommended and that I have done. Sometimes the points do not throw all the way, other times they bounce back.

But my biggest problem with the RCS turnouts has been derailments of several cars, and invariably, three of my steam engine tenders, when backing up. I have tried filing sharp and protruding edges, and anything that would seem to cause the derailments, but still have derailments.

Construction

It has been said that the RCS are better because they are hand-made. It becomes obvious that they are hand-made when you see close-up the inconsistencies in construction. Some of the ties are split, many of the spikes are not down all the way and interfere with the flanges, and overall they look somewhat dirty. I bought the RCS turnouts two years ago from AM Hobbies. I looked at another RCS that was several years older, and the older one appeared to be built better. Perhaps mine came out of a batch when RCS was having Quality Control problems?

Good luck!

Alex

Peter,

For some reason I cannot edit my post, above. (I am not at home using my regular computer . . )

Anyway, what I wanted to say is that I operate all the turnouts with 18-VAC and they work fine - well, at least all the Atlas do. I have tried different voltage with the RCS, but the problems I mentioned in my previous post remained.

Alex