Atlas 2R track switches

Tom,

If it is going to be a small switching layout, why not use the castings from Right-O-Way, Lou Cross. The switches will look a lot better and it will give you something to brag about.  And it is not hard to do.

Ed

Tom,

If you need any Atlas & a couple Riverossi used 36" inch radius switches,let me know. Also have some used #5s of unknown origin,believe they were hand layed.

Al Hummel

Atlas #5 -- 20" long.

Atlas #7.5 -- 24.5" long.

Both diverge 2.25" from the centerline of the straight leg for a 4.5" mainline spaced crossover.

ATLAS #5: angle of the curved part: 11°25

ATLAS # 7.5:           "                  : 7°5!

Checked with ANYRAIL software.

How small, I had bought some of Atlas's old #6023 switches a decade ago  if I got locked into a tight area needing to switch. I don't know what # they are but lot tighter than the 5's. and then not as nice as the newer ones made.   

Thank you all for your responses. That helps a lot! I do not want to lay my own rail as I have done this for years in On3 and that is quite enough, thank you. Yes it does look better, however, the question is will I live long enough? so Atlas two rail is the answer. I think I will need all #5's. Thanks again!

Bear in mind also that both #5s and #7.5s can be shortened by up to 3" off the switch rail (toe) end and up to 2" off the straight leg of the diverging (heel) end for yard ladders, consecutive spurs etc. I have  4" and 3.75" spacing on parallel tracks with the #5 this way with no issues. Plus I'm sure you could shorten the diverging track a little to get down to say 4" spacing on a branch or industry crossover if required.

HTH

Pete

I am also working on a small switching layout using atlas track and only #5 switches. Attached are a few photos of the bench work and track. By using only #5 switches I was able to add more track for car spotting.

Beautiful bench work, Matthew. 

It will be a shame to cover it up. 

Cheers

I am planning on a very shortline layout with switching options and plan to use Fast Tracks to make my own No.4 turnouts. These, I know are small radius, however my locos are limited to an SW9, 44 ton and perhaps an Alco S2(at some point). Because of the 12'x11' space I have I am keeping it to 30" radius on the curves as well.

Nice thing is, once you get past the initial $200 for the Fast Track fixture and related tools, the ties and rail are relatively inexpensive, and the more you build the cheaper your turnouts become...

Matthew,

The only thing I don't like about Atlas #5s are the long thin points which mimic some of Atlas HO turnouts from the past. The points on the #5s look like they should be interchanged with those on the #7.5 turnouts.

Just my opinion.

GREAT benchwork & trackwork to.

Al Hummel

Does anyone kbow if Atlas corrected the problems on the latest release of the switches?

Stephen

Stephen,

Other than the cosmetic issue of far too long guard rails what problems are you referring to? I am using about 50-60 # 7.5 turnouts and have had only one issue - a broken tie on the point rails of one switch.

Tom,

Atlas is not the only source of switches.  Signature Switch makes a beautiful switch which is soldered to PC ties.  Brad, the owner, will make anything you want, even soldering feeders to the rails for DCC operation, and at reasonable prices.  You owe it to yourself to check it out before committing to Atlas.

Regards,

Ed

If you remove 1 11/16" off each diverging end of a 7.5 turnout used in a  single crossover you can have 4" center line separation.

If you can be satisfied with not using any rail joiners at all where they come together, you can drop in the second switch in like a jigsaw puzzle piece with out needing to butcher the tie ends.  Makes a nice cosmetic touch.

While you are at it take a Dremel and trim the wing rails to relieve the busy frog area.  Also consider replacing the guard rails with a pair of ROW guard rails.

Shown are a before and after pair of Atlas #7.5 switches.

This is a shot of Atlas #5s in a yard throat  where almost every switch under went surgery.

Understand, the overall length of the Atlas switches correspond to sections of their sectional track to help make their track planning system work.  The #5 replaces two 10" track sections.  The #7.5 replaces two 10" pieces and one 4 1/2" fitter section.

1. frog shorting on heel side rails, often requires opening the gaps. 
2. I've also filled the frog with a little styrene to prevent .145 wheel tread from dropping in the frog.
3. Occasional point rail break as noted above.

During the Atlas black out of switch availability we found Brad Strong at 801 884 6354 who will make any standard switch for about the same price as Atlas.  He also makes custom turnouts of any style.  Her is a #8 double crossover Brad built for us.

Tom Tee,

I was hoping that you would add some pics and info regarding Brad's work.

Thanks,

Ed

I agree with what Ed Kelly and Tom T have stated about Signature Switch Company products. Although I am using a number of Atlas 7.5  turnouts I would not use them at all if I were starting over today. Everything would be Signature Switch. I have a Signature #8  double slip switch and it is flawless.

Mike D - I have also experienced items 1 and 2 as you noted but considered them part of being in 2 rail. The point rail break is something that I considered a defect in the product but it has only happened once so no big deal.

Can anyone tell me if Caboose Industry Ho ground throws will turn the points on Signature Switches without using springs for added throw help? My 210S ground throw turns an Atlas 100%.

Also,do these switches come prewired & DCC friendly? If not,how much added to the standard $70 cost is it to wire up there switches?

Thanks to all in advance for your help.

Al Hummel

Al,

Why not call Brad Strong and ask him? Best to hear it "from the horse's mouth."

Just tuned in.  Am surprised that nobody has mentioned O Scale Turnouts brand switches.  I just installed two code 148 #8 switches in place of Atlas O #7.5's. 

IMO they look better and perform better.  And Caboose Industries HO spring loaded ground throws work with them really well and are much closer to scale than the O scale ground throws that work well with Atlas O #5' and #7.5.  And the O Scale Turnouts have Lou Cross components throughout.  And the code 148 versions mate well with Atlas O 2 rail flextrack which is also code 148. 

I am gradually replacing all of my Atlas O switches with these,

Just do an internets search on O Scale Turnouts for all the details. 

Bill

Don't quote me but the prewire charge may  be about $5.00 per switch.  A nice touch is that Brad will prewire with the colors you happen to be using on each rail on what ever circuit it will be installed.

I use different color wires and different color combinations for each power district/block so at a junction it can look like a Technicolor jungle under the deck which makes color coordination helpful. 

Here is a side view of the double cross over going down with all prewire drops threaded into their respective holes.  Just makes the install so sweet!

Just nurse it down while slightly tugging the drops, add joiners and presto.  We had a smooth and quiet junction.  Flawless.

Brad's switches are DCC friendly.

As far as throws go it depends on how you order your points.  Hinged points are very easy to throw, solid rail not as soft.  I use both  I prefer hinged.

Think outside the box with Brad.  He will make any switch in any gauge with any code rail to fit any situation.  In many areas I just sent him a tracing.  He them sent me a CAD drawing which FedEx printed full size. I laid it over the intended area to confirm fit.

Considering the sometimes awkwardness of fitting 0 scale into our always too small train rooms Brad helps  make anything possible.  Think a curved turnout within a spirial easement.

Austin Bill,

I agree with no disrespect to anyone or any other O Scale track company,that the O Scale Turnouts brand switches are TOPS in looks! My problem is I'm starting from the ground up & planning 40 switches minimum as I have a 50'x25' area. The cost here is holding me down. If like you,you're replacing over time,that's easier on the finances. But the prices just keep going up.

Also,I have a shelf 37" from the floor that I'm going to use for 1 yard & it has 2'x4' support columns that are spaced 30" apart. A #5 will allow access sidings out of the 30" if placed correctly on #2 main,but O Scale turnouts at this writing only make #6 minimum which may not allow access through my distances of 30" supports.(?)

My shelf area will allow 5 tracks,2 mainlines & 3 yard tracks. I can squeeze in 4 switches on the ladder in the yard with #5s but could I do that with #6s? My ladder has 1 left hand coming off #1 mainline,which connects to 2 #5 righthands&a#5 left. The turnout leg of the left is connected to the straight leg of the last #5 right.

Sometimes I think a crossover to each track arrangement would be better though making the yard tracks somewhat shorter from 1 end of the yard to the other.

2rail DC Atlas 80-40cs,(not sure if I got those numbers right), will be handling through freight & unit grain trains as I can't get any GPs from any company in CSX right now,plus switching chores for now. With all wheel pickup,why do switches have to be wired? I'm a novice here coming from 38 years of RTR switches in HO,so I honestly don't understand,I'm learning now.

Thank you Bill & everyone else who has helpful comments to add on this conversation.

Al Hummel

Bill's turnouts are excellent.  I got some awhile ago.  Very, very nice. 

I went with Brad because of all the custom point work required in tight confines.

Plus there is a considerable price difference when you consider a quantity of turnouts.

Thank goodness Atlas went down for a few years.  It provided the opportunity for these two switch fabricators to get up and running during a demand period.

Agreed and here's hoping all remain viable and competitive which helps us all.  These are the best of times when it comes to switches.  Bill

Alan,

 

As you stated Bill's switches at O Scale Turnouts are built using the top of line cast parts, pc ties, very DCC friendly and available in several finish levels.  At the base level aren't much more than any other switch, but would require you to finish them including ties at a minimum.  I use them for highly visible, detailed areas on a layout.  

 

Brad's switches at Signature Switch Co. are also made with pc ties, very DCC friendly and include hardwood ties which closely match the height for atlas track.  They are also made with rail vs castings.  The cost for a ready to lay turnout is much closer to atlas prices and in some cases lower, keeping in mind #5 vs #6 and #7.5 vs #8.  As mentioned since Brad uses rail he can do custom switches.  

 

Additional comments inline below

 

Originally Posted by Alan Hummel:

My shelf area will allow 5 tracks,2 mainlines & 3 yard tracks. I can squeeze in 4 switches on the ladder in the yard with #5s but could I do that with #6s? My ladder has 1 left hand coming off #1 mainline,which connects to 2 #5 righthands&a#5 left. The turnout leg of the left is connected to the straight leg of the last #5 right.

Sometimes I think a crossover to each track arrangement would be better though making the yard tracks somewhat shorter from 1 end of the yard to the other.

 

Your ladder plan is a fairly common layout.  What track spacing are you using? 3.25", 4" or 4.5" or something else?   #6's will generally work.    Are you trying to plan the length of these tracks to hold your expected train length, setout cars, etc.. ?

 

Question - Based on your track plan these tracks sound more like holding tracks, A/D tracks vs any sort of classification as it sounds like you don't have any lead for actual switching without coming out on to the main?

 

2rail DC Atlas 80-40cs,(not sure if I got those numbers right), will be handling through freight & unit grain trains as I can't get any GPs from any company in CSX right now,plus switching chores for now. With all wheel pickup,why do switches have to be wired? I'm a novice here coming from 38 years of RTR switches in HO,so I honestly don't understand,I'm learning now.

 

 

IMO, having the frogs powered like any scale, helps with slow speed operation, especially on 4-axle locomotives, single truck pickup, dirty track conditions, etc...If the frog is fully isolated and powered based on route selected you'll be much happier the overall operation of the switch.  

Mike,

You're correct,I have no switching lead but planning is wide open at this point with loose track laying around,,(flex track),and a few Atlas #5s that work & and 1 that needs a frog & a point rail while the other just needs a through bar. All work for layout planning which is VERY sketchy at this point.

The yard area is though only area that has a foundation,1" boards,to lay track&switches & get ideas from. I'd considered after my 1st crossover was a success, consisting of 2 Atlas #5s,of using crossovers between all tracks but that'd make the inner tracks very short,but then thought I could sort of "stagger" the crossovers by not placing them in a stairstep fashion. I could put the crossover from the inner mainline track nearest the yard,behind the mainline crossovers. Months later,after looking at a track plan,I tried stairstepping the switches which I didn't think would work & still allow keeping the 4.5" center to center track distance which I though was the O scale minimum distance from track centers. You mentioned different distances from centers so I'm confused now meaning I didn't know that was possible? Double ending the yard on both ends seems the most likeable ,plus expensive, idea I've come up with so far. Then,depending on the location of the curves at the end of the yard,I could possibly add a few switches past the switches forming the yard ladders to used mostly for storage.

What each yard track would be used for could consist of holding local freight consists but just random cuts of cars to,nothing specific. I'm figuring I'll have 40'-48' of space to do something for a yard in.

I'm WIDE OPEN FOR IDEAS fellas & VERY appreciative of them all!!

I need to snap a few photos to give a better idea what I'm working against.

Thanks again,

Al Hummel

Tom,

Thanks for the great reference!  I use it often when building railroads to ensure compliance with proper clearances.

Seems like Atlas has targeted 4 1/2" tangent track center spacing for most of their 2R track components. 

Ditto on narrower spacing with O Scale Turnouts brand switches.

The biggest practical factor is when using the 0-5-0 for car movement.

Tangent track spacing ATLAS = 4.5" = 11.43 mm exactly as Lenz ( Germany) track system....?

Yep, the Atlas O 2 rail and 3 rail rigid curve track, switches, bridges, etc all have the same basic geometry.  4.5 in track centers.

This to me is totally understandable since I came into 2 rail in 2012 after decades in 3 rail and briefly passing thru a 3 Rail Scale (3RS) for a couple of years.  The 4.5 in spacing was needed to ensure the combination of large articulated engines overhang and full length passenger car under hang did not interfere on 3 rail curves even as broad as 099 (49.5 in. radius).  And I can understand Atlas O not having one geometry for 2 rail and another for 3 rail.  

Besides, by using Atlas O flextrack (2 or 3 rail) and by modifying their switches narrower track centers are easy to do.  But, it's a different story for their double track bridges whether 2 or 3 rail. 

Both 3 rail and 2 rail systems worked well for me.  Now that I'm 2 rail I use Atlas O flex track and am converting from Atlas O switches to O Scale Turnouts brand switches.

From a historical perspective I thing these are the best of times.  20 or so years ago it was much harder to build a 2 rail layout.  And it was much harder to have a 3 rail layout with sweeping curves and more or less realistic looking track and  switches that work well.

Bill

Mike DeBerg,

My "HOPED FOR LAYOUT," will center on switching industries BIG time. The reason I say Hoped for,is finances will call the final shot as to whether it's O or HO. Nothing is headed in any direction as far as sales right now,but as winter sets in & people can't go the lakes & vacation,etc.,&get back to indoor hobbies again that should change.

The yard is intended to receive inbound freight mostly from local freights & be sorted into outgoing freight for trains to pickup & take out if I can figure out a plan that allows making up trains from these local cars into a train(s) to leave the yard. That'd make way for new setoffs from through freights, for the corresponding industries being served. Grain traffic,as I live in Indiana where grain & fertilizer are big industry,will be a major source of 8 car,possibly 12 car unit covered grain hoppers. These could come from a nonexistent yard & be spotted/picked up,without ever entering my yard except for fuel for the diesels,or if things don't get too congested, it'd be fun to have them be dropped off in my yard from that nonexistent,or I should say,"visible," yard,&assigned to the local in my yard to be dropped off in a unit train to the grain elevator(s) using the cars. (Gives a fellow that rush of adrenalin just thinking about it.).

You were also right about the yard throats being entered after coming off curves,which I need to allow for.

The railroad was mentally planned to be double track mainlines,but with finances tight,I think I'll leave adequate space when planning industrial spurs for the 2nd line & wait until,if ever,finances allow for that.

The through freights will be low priority for now,also due to finances. I had planned on Intermodal & Ethanol there,of course we don't have ethanol cars yet in 2 rail O,but that may change.

In my mind,industries planned,will be grain &fertilizer related served by 4750&5161 cvd hoppers,a corn syrup transloading facility between rail tankers & tanker semis.a steel using facility,a plant using 25,500 tankers making insulation products,with a facility or 2 using boxcars of different sizes& a lumber plant receiving loads of lumber are on the roster. In reflection,all the freight cars except for the boxcars, have pretty much been purchased awaiting couplers & in some cases where no 2rl was available but 3rl versions were,2rl wheelsets must be purchased & the 3rl wheelsets sold.

That's all for now,thank Tom & you also also,for sending the info on the track centering.

Until later,

Al Hummel