I have been thinking of using my Digitrax DCC system to run my MTH PS3 engines. In 2 rail, turnouts must be DCC friendly. Are there any issues with DCC and 3 rail Atlas O turnouts?
Jack Bartman
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I think that due to the nature of 3 rail where the outer rails are always negative and the center rail is always hot all 3 rail turnouts would be DCC friendly.
I know that DZ1000 switch machines work, but K-Line supersnap switch machines do not. The switches themselves are ok.
I'm referring to the rail themselves having shorts with the DCC system, not the switch machines.
Was just pointing out that the switches are ok, but not all switch machines are compatible. Don't have atlas so just mentioned the switch machines I do have as an example.
Darrell, good point about the switch machines. In the 2 rail world running DCC a short circuit can occur when a metal wheel contacts a point rail and a stock rail with opposite polarities.DCC friendly switches (2 rail) are designed so this can't happen. I believe any 3 rail turnout will be a DCC friendly turnout as long as you are adding your own switch machine that isn't electrically connected to the rails. This would be a Tortoise or a DZ or any switch machine that the HO guys use. I understand Jack is only interested in Atlas switches but for anyone else who reads this I do not know how compatible a remote Lionel or MTH switch would be with DCC especially since they have the non derailing function. That is one thing I really miss about 3 rail. I have yet to figure out how to have a non derailing switch in a 2 rail environment.
