While placing a turnout order with Brad Strong of Signature Switch he mentioned that he will be making exact drop in replacements for these two Atlas switches.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
OK, I'll bite...
Who is "Brad"?
Hudson5432 posted:OK, I'll bite...
Who is "Brad"?
Isn't that the name of the car that hot chick was talking about in that "Liberty Mutual" commercial?
I think he's referring to Brad of Signature Switch Company Company (www.signatureswitchco.com). He makes custom-built, ready to plant turnouts. I'm not even officially a 2-rail guy and I want a couple of his turnouts.
Sorry guys, I stumbled on what I thought was a post I mistakenly keyed into draft and clicked to post it. Did not realize it restarted a new thread from months ago that never got put up to begin with.
Yes Matt is correct. This is about Brad Strong of Signature Switch. one of the best things to happen in O scale over the last several years. He has bailed me out in so many installations where a certain non standard juncture of three tracks (frequently curved) had to happen in limited space. He has provided literally dozens of custom one of a kind switches which just made things work and look right.
Some of the Atlas switches in heavy usage seemed to have reached the end of their service life and the owners were looking for an alternative. The standard #6 or #8 turnouts would not quite work properly replacing the Atlas turnouts #5 or #7.5. Plus the overall turnout lengths were designed to fit the Atlas Track System by replacing fixed Atlas track pieces. Brad's replacements were a perfect fit.
Thank you. I do have a few Atlas spares, but "sooner rather than later" I will need replacements.
As I recall the Atlas track system is based on a 4 inch center to center track format, which I am guessing dictated their switch sizes.
Tom, As they are a "standard" (as in not a special build) size, any idea of the cost per switch?
And yes, we can now break into our "Happy Dance".
Simon
Simon,
I believe that the Atlas system is based on 4.5" centers. Would someone please confirm which one is correct?
Ed
As usual, Ed is right on with the facts. 4 1/2" C/L for both 2 and 3 rail. Note: Ed is building one of the largest and most exacting 0 scale RRs ever. Perfect furniture craftsmanship, detailed modeling.
When you want to use the Atlas #7.5 on 4" C/L I believe you will need to cut back each diverging track 1 11/16". At that point you will need to fudge the rail joiners a tad & drop in (hinge down) one of the turnouts on an angle to mesh the tie ends.
Simon, Just got some more Signature Switches in. The #6 turnouts were $85.oo. + UPS. What ever I do not need I will be bringing to Strasburg. Oh yes, they are 100% made in America and shipped without tariffs.
Ed is no doubt correct as I am a chronic sufferer of CRS. 
Simon
PS: Thanks Ed and Tom!
Simon Winter posted:...I am a chronic sufferer of CRS.
Simon
PS: Thanks Ed and Tom!
Welcome to my world. 
One more comment. Brad cuts the turnouts for the crossover spacing you specify, which is a nice touch for those building switching decks.
