Double slip switches

Yes, I have tried two of them and gave up on both of them.  I have all Atlas track and switches and like them but couldn't get these to work properly.  Everything from electrical problems to certain cars not going through them properly.

Art

You asked about the Atlas switch, but I use a Ross double slip switch with zero problems with the switch. ( I have had trains enter the switch without it being properly lines up at both ends, but it was always operator error!) 

I do use MTH DCS system and the AIU to operate both switch machines at the same time to line up a route. I have various "Routes" entered into the hand held and with the press of one button, the AIU lines all the switches for that Route selected and saves one from having to eyeball all the switch points to ensure which way they are lined. Pretty cool.

The double slip switch at "Mobjack Interlocking" is pretty much the focal point of my current layout. All trains pass within the area.

Dan

Yes, I have tried two of them and gave up on both of them.  I have all Atlas track and switches and like them but couldn't get these to work properly.  Everything from electrical problems to certain cars not going through them properly.

 

Art

Art - Just curious, Atlas modified these switches and included some electrical tabs to power route the the rails.  Did your double slips have the tabs and did you use the 6924 Non-Derail Circuit Boards?

I've worked with them and the older version was very hard to get wired properly.  The ones with the tabs were easier to solve any electrical problems using the 6924 Board.  I had 3 of them back to back.  They seemed to work fine but, I never finished the layout and so I don't know how the would have worked over time.

Mr. Mouse - This is my take, if you can avoid them I would.  They take a lot of work to install and if those electrical tabs would fail at some point you would have a major issue to fix or replace the switch.  I can't vouch for the reliability of the electrical tabs.  

Howard

Puzzle switches are wonderful space savers but the devil to operate correctly.  As I recall on Will Allens old Duckunder layout the double slips into the passenger terminal provided more than their share of derailments.  Backing a long set of passenger cars was the worst and of course they were in the worst possible location to get to.

Just my two cents.

George Lasley

I had a double-slip on my previous layout and it seemed to work fine.  I moved it to my yard lead on my current layout and had nothing but problems.  Atlas replaced the switch.  The new one wasn't any better.  When I bought a circus train of the new Lionel/K-Line cars, they would not run through this switch without derailing, shorting, or both. The tabs on the new switch interfered with these cars.  I either had to forget the train or the switch.  The switch is gone.

Art

shorting

I never did get rid of occasional sparking.  It would trip the circuit breaker on occasion, usually when creeping through the switch or if I stopped in the wrong place.

I should add that I love the intricate looks of a double-slip switch.  The operational choices are also great.  But nothing lets the air out of an operating session faster than a derailment or short.  Especially repeated ones.

Art

I have Atlas Double Slips on my layout and I like them.  I use them with the 6924 boards using the non-derail feature only.  I don't power the closure rails with them.  I have not had any problems with them to date.   

Gentlemen, I have 1 Atlas double slip I bought some time ago and sent it to Atlas for a mod.  I think they changed the frog.  I'm moving to San Diego in a few months and have hopes of setting up a shelf layout in a two car garage.  Just like Art says " I like the intricate looks of a double slip switch".  I won't be doing this for a few months, but I will get it to work.  Running a train over it in the dark watching for sparks.  Putting small pieces of tape in places,  whatever it takes to get it to work.   

I have Atlas Double Slips on my layout and I like them.  I use them with the 6924 boards using the non-derail feature only.  I don't power the closure rails with them.  I have not had any problems with them to date.

I think that is great!  It could be a great switch, it looks great and adds a lot of possibilities otherwise unavailable.  It can save a LOT of space.

Thanks for the info. I think I'll give one a try. Mouse