Double slip switch, RCS vs Atlas

Know nothing about Atlas but I would first call Steve and ask for his suggestion. He has always been more than helpful when we had a problem.

I think you're going to find that the DSS is a pretty finicky switch.  There's a lot going on in a very short space, which is not the blueprint for reliability.  I find that the straight through paths are good, but some of the divergent paths you need to take it slow.

Given my experience with Atlas switches, it's hard for me to imagine theirs will be more reliable, but I've never used their DSS.

No special DSS switches beat the practicality,  simplicity and reliability of two regular 3 rail  turnouts.  One just needs the space.

3 rail DSS and double crossovers can be a challenge.

When you are talking about a # 4 switch, remember it is only a #4.     A rather sharp angle for larger wheelbase engines, even with blind drivers and non rigid frame style engines uniquely articulated.

Generally speaking a #6 switch will safely handle most all large engines.

One of the most frequent obstacles I encountered when I would first meet to quote a job was a modeler who had collected a quantity of large engines and scale 80' cars for use in a limited space.

Equipment and scale need to take into consideration the space available.

Guys,

Thanks for the inputs.  I am going to use a DSS, just trying to get some feedback on the Atlas DSS.  It is a #5 where the Ross is a #4, so I assume my engines that do not like the Ross may like the Atlas.  My mainline switches are #6 and my yard switches are #5, so the Ross is my only #4.  I'll have to tear up a lot of track and reposition it to put in the longer Atlas (even shortened).

The Ross works well and most of my engines don't have an issue with it, even my Y3s.  It is part of the trackage going into the engine yard, and my 3rd Rail/Williams PRR S2 Turbine and my Lionel PRR Centipedes are the ones that don't like it.  I have a couple others, a MTH Q2 and a 3rd Rail Q1 that I need to check.

If I get good feedback on the Atlas, I may go ahead and change it.  Otherwise, these engines will have to take the long route to the yard.

@CAPPilot posted:

Guys,

Thanks for the inputs.  I am going to use a DSS, just trying to get some feedback on the Atlas DSS.  It is a #5 where the Ross is a #4, so I assume my engines that do not like the Ross may like the Atlas.  My mainline switches are #6 and my yard switches are #5, so the Ross is my only #4.  I'll have to tear up a lot of track and reposition it to put in the longer Atlas (even shortened).

The Ross works well and most of my engines don't have an issue with it, even my Y3s.  It is part of the trackage going into the engine yard, and my 3rd Rail/Williams PRR S2 Turbine and my Lionel PRR Centipedes are the ones that don't like it.  I have a couple others, a MTH Q2 and a 3rd Rail Q1 that I need to check.

If I get good feedback on the Atlas, I may go ahead and change it.  Otherwise, these engines will have to take the long route to the yard.

I don't know about DSS, but if you are buying old Atlas be aware of the different generations. The ones with the red UV logo on the box are current. The ones with the yellow UV logo are last version. I wouldn't touch any Atlas switch without the UV logo. The red logo are better than the yellow.

Keith, Thanks for that tip.

The DS was in the second release of their track system.

Jan

I had Atlas DSS switches.  Need the latest version with the upgraded frog.  Running wise I had no problems, but Atlas Trainman engines wouldn't go through electrically, and certain seam engines both MTH and Lionel steam engines needed pickups added to the tenders.  Notice HAD, replaced nine (OUCH).

Ron, I have back to back Ross 11 degree wyes in my passenger yard. While I don’t run large steamers. What I run has no issues derailment wise or electrical. Simple to wire up and pretty much accomplishes the same thing  as a double slip. Excuse the mess in the pic. After 25 years the yard is getting a change to add more operation.

All my life I wanted a layout with a DSS (sad really...) but I have one and it uses Atlas - about 5 years old. As other have said it is fiddly and I have had to apply TLC  to get it to work properly .  It is fine on the straights but some of my stock wont go on the "curved" roads reliably. Now the novelty has worn off and If I had the space I might have replaced it with two regular turnouts. (Of course I also want to run 2-rail Finescale stock through it which I can do but not on the curved roads.