Some questions about Atlas switches

In response to Ted's questions:

2. Assuming that the answer to question 1 is "no": it seems like the consensus is to substitute the DZ-1000 switch machine.  I guess what I don't understand about this approach is, do you cut off or remove the Atlas switch motor to use the DZ-1000?  Is the Atlas motor easily removed?

3. ...and if the answer to #2 is "yes": did Atlas ever make a "manual" O36, or O54 switch?  It seems silly to pay full price for "remote" switches with motors, if you're going to throw those motors away and use third-party motors instead.

I use ATLAS track and have on two layouts now.  Simply great.  I prefer the look and the quiet of Atlas.

My current layout has two levels.

I have taken off the Atlas machines (very simple/not difficult) and I now use a dozen DZ-1000 machines wired to the controllers on the fascia board on the upper level.

On the bottom level, I have removed eight Atlas switch machines and replaced them with CABOOSE INDUSTRIES manual switch throws.  I wanted to have a "hands-on experience" on the lower level.  So far, so good.

Here's a link to the Caboose Industries equipment (check for O Gauge):

https://www.cabooseind.com/product-info

Good luck.  Atlas is great track.

My recollection is that if you simply remove power to the Atlas switch motor, the switch will be non-derailing. This is mechanical, not electrical. You can then use the switch machine to manually set the switch direction. I know that if you remove the switch motor, the Atlas switch is non-derailing and will stay in the last position. On a dogbone layout, this means that the train direction changes each time around. I like that.

I also like the Atlas track a lot.  I don't think the switches are as good as the track. If you are a heavy runner and the switches are hard to reach, I would replace them with Ross switches.

Gerry

Specific to your second question, yes the Atlas switch motors are removable.  There are two very tiny (and "tiny" is no exaggeration) Bolts and nuts that when removed allow for the Switch machine removal.  The Throw for the frogs is a press fit so it needs to be gently removed to completely remove the machine.  And to Question 3, the answer is no as far as I am aware as they do not show that option.  But do not despair.  There are plenty of us Atlas switch users that every once in a while need a replacement.  Use the For Sale board here on the forum to peddle those you do not want.

Capacitor Discharge is a simple way to prevent switch motor burnout when the switch motor is wired for non-derail.

Why not use the old fashioned tried and true reed switch. Place a reed switch before each leg and activate with a tiny magnet secured under the engine. Wire as you would any other non detail method. I used this on HO atlas switches many years ago. 

Things to remember, the advantage of the Atlas 6924 board is power routing of the dead rails of the turnout for better operation of locomotives over the turnout as well as it prevents motor burnout.  The turnouts are by nature passive non-derailing out of the box, whither you power the Atlas switch motor or not.  If you replace the Atlas motor with something else that goes away.  Atlas does not sell manual turnouts as they can be thrown manually out of the box, which is what I'm currently doing as I have yet to run any wires to power them.