Hiding Atlas-O switch machines under the table

Drummer3 posted:

I noticed on Chugmans's layout that all of the switch machines are hidden, I assume underneath the switch?  Have there been any posts / photos on how to do this?

Just my opinion but, I believe you will find that most folks that use "under the layout" switch machines, actually use the "Tortoise " brand machines. I don't believe those Atlas switch machines are worth a crap anyway, especially for "under the layout" mounting. 

That's correct Hot Water.  We switched out all the Atlas machines for Tortoise ones for reliability and appearance.

Art

Do NOT even THINK about putting the Atlas O switch machines under your table. Atlas O switch machines were invented by Satan to torture model railroaders. Install Tortoise machines. Read my article in OGR about creating panels for use with Tortoise machines. Tortoise machines are, in a word, dependable.

I've seen some clubs use pneumatic switch machines.  What are your thoughts on that?

Atlas markets an under table machine. 

Jim Harrington posted:

I've seen some clubs use pneumatic switch machines.  What are your thoughts on that?

From what I know about that system, they work VERY reliably, and trouble free. 

Mike CT posted:

Atlas markets an under table machine. 

Well in my opinion, they are still CRAP!

Dave,

   I use the Atlas O under the table switch machines for my scaletrax switches on my layout and they work great!  As you can see from the photos, or should I say "as you can't see" there are no switch machines.  I showed how to install these on my part II video from 5yrs ago and they still work perfectly.  Maybe they will not work well with Atlas switches?  I don't know, but I do know they work well with MTH scaletrax switches.  I would have them on all my switches but some switches are over solid beams so I can't mount them.  Next layout I will plan ahead and use them.  I wanted to put some sort of scale "dummy" machine on top but that is still on my to-do list.  Having nothing looks better than that unrealistic looking MTH switch machine which is just a brown box.

Rich

Thanks for your comment Rich   I spent a lot of time installing Atlas 6924 relay boards, that added a lot of features to the Atlas switches/switch motors.  The Atlas switch motors properly wired with the 6924 relay boards compare to the DZ 1000's properly wired, with non-derail function and power routing. I've worked with both, DZ 1000 on a club layout.  Of course, that is IMO.  I had coupled  NJ International switch signals to Atlas motors, which added a bit.  I also used the Atlas  6931dwarf signals with each switch or switch combination.

6924 relay board wiring.

That's a really neat setup Mike