I am new to model railroading and purchased RR-Track to help me design a layout. I will be using Atlas-O track and noticed a couple switches that are listed in the software are 6070 (short) and 6071(short). I do not see theses switches listed on the Atlas website and was wondering if anyone knows if these switches are available. The difference in these switches and the regular 6070 and 6071 switches appears to be the length of the straight portion of the track.
Thanks
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The older Atlas O-54 switches had a 14-1/2" straight section as one piece. The newer O-54 switches have 10" straight sections with a 4-1/2" section included to get to 14-1/2". With the newer switches you actually get both, the 60xx and the 60xx(Z) or short as one switch. So with RR-Track you can use either one and if you purchase a new switch you will be just fine either way.
Thanks for the clarification. I will have to be aware of what I am buying.
If you only purchase the new ones you can't go wrong, you get both. If you purchase used switches, be careful. Also with used switches, if you have to replace the switch machine you will probably be fast approaching the cost of a new one anyway, unless you get them for a really good price.
I have had to do this with a few used ones I bought and ended up saving very little and still have a used switch. With few exceptions, that pretty much ended my used switch purchasing. Now I mostly purchase only new switches. Atlas has also recently announced some improvements they have made to their switches, since they changed places of manufacture. All the new switches will have these improvements. Something else to consider for the new ones. The downside to this is the prices have also gone up some.
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