Atlas Switches

Wanderer,

    I like a lot of the Atlas stuff big time, own a lot of their different train products.  However Atlas switches IMO are nothing but problems.  Consider transitioning in and out of Ross Switches with your Atlas Track.  If you want to use Legacy with your Atlas layout, transition in and out of the new wireless FasTrack Command Control switches.  IMO the best thing you can do with your Atlas switches is sell them, and get rid of the reoccurring problems.  

PCRR/Dave

I have about 24 Atlas turnouts, for the most part,  they work fine.

They are simple mechanisms to work with.

Fred 

I am with Pine Creek, if you are a runner there is nothing better than Ross.

Have you installed the plastic roller guide at the end of the split center rail?  Without it, certain equipment can momentarily jamb when pickup rollers drop to tie level or bind against the common rails.

The only other issue I've had with mine is they don't allow prewar stamped steel wheels to pass freely without the over sized flanges riding up on the shallow frog casting.

Otherwise, Atlas has been everything I expected in a good quality turnout.  Just don't expect them to perform well if you haven't properly powered all 3 approaches.  Big difference from my old HO experience with Atlas.  I have a double slip that remains in it's box so I can't report on that type of Atlas switch.

Bruce

brwester,

   You can definitely see why with my Tin Plate Trains I am not big on Atlas Switches, some of my old Williams stuff does not like the Atlas Switches either.  I want switches that  accommodate all my different trains, Atlas switches do not fall into that category and never will.  Another option for him would be transitioning in and out of low voltage K-Line Super Snap switches, now made by RMT.  Low voltage Ross, FasTrack or K-Line (RMT) for longevity running with all different kinds of trains, original Lionel 711 or 072's if he wants to operate with old time massive voltage draw switches.  

PCRR/Dave

"Atlas has been everything i expected in a good quality turnout"....

absolutely the same way i have felt since i purchased my first #7.5 ....i guess i am one of the few that went from ross/gargraves to AtlasO.- Jim

Thanks for the feedback.  I just spent quite a bit of time looking at the problems I've been having.  My observation has me theorizing on 3 different issues.  

One issue I saw was with the frog (thanks brwester).  I'm unsure if its the wheels riding up on the shallow casting or catching on the tip of the center of the frog.

Another issue was on a 072/054 switch.  It seems the factory cuts into the inside of the outer rails for the points to settle into.  That cut seems to catch the wheel as it passes through.

The 3rd was again on the 072/054 switch.  One of the 3 pickup rollers is hanging up on an outer rail through the crossover. This only happens while the engine is reversing through the 072 side of the switch.  I looked in the box and there are no plastic ramps for the roller to ride up on for this switch (there are for the 072 switches I have).  

So now...what to do...

It could be that the 072/054 switch I purchased is far enough outside of perfect that it's causing both issues I'm having.  I'll follow up with Atlas to see what they suggest.  That leaves the issue I'm experiencing with the frog.  Anyone have any suggestions?

ps...Dave, I thought long and hard about Ross switches but decided against them because I wanted the ties to match all the way through to keep a realistic look