Atlas turnouts & 2014 ES44AC

Don't remember the #'s of Atlas switches.  Is it the #5 or the #7.5?  Either way, it looks like the coupler swing on the engine and/or car is restricted.

Hope this helps. Happy Thanksgiving.

Now, back to the turkey.

Ed

Looking at the car, it looks like a first-generation Atlas 53-foot Evans car. The couplers have very stiff centering springs. Tie that in with using a Kadee 806 short-box/short-shank coupler on the locomotive (can't tell from the photo) and it could push outward on the car. Work-around on the locomotive is to cut down the back of a standard Kadee 800/740 series box by about 1/8" (round the sides off) and using an 805/740 standard coupler. That's what I use and I haven't had problems, even on 36" radius because of the extra swing.

I will take a photo from the bottom of the engine and a top view with them still connected up. Thanks for the information. I don't want to have to spend extra cash I don't have if I don't have to to replace the switches.

 

Mike

Laidoffsick just did some excellent videos on Kadee couplers and I think he covered what AGHRMatt was saying above. Anyway, these are very good videos, may help you some here, and you may know all this already, but might be good to watch anyway.

 

The O Scale Kadee Coupler - Video Series - NEW VIDEO 11/13

Here are a couple more photos

That photo you just posted from directly above makes me wonder if the medium-length shank would solve this problem.  You didn't mention which Kadee is installed, but it looks like the short-shank model.

 

I agree that shaving off the side corner of the kadee box will probably solve this by allowing more coupler swing.

Ok Thanks, I don't know whats on them all it shows is "O" from MTH Factory.

I'll give shaving the side of the box. But I'm going to change all my couplers out to Kadee

740's

1.  Be aware that the 6021 / 6022 turnouts the OP is using are the 1970's Atlas ones with a diverging 24 inch radius.

 

2.  A review of the OP's other questions and the replys on all the OGR forums is also suggested.

 

SZ

 

Edited to ask:  Or is it "replies" ?

Wow. That's a tight radius for one of the biggest diesels made. Probably more suited for a switcher.

 Using the longer medium shank coupler on both equipment helps. On the engine, pull on the coupler or look at the bottom for a number. If the coupler pushes in and doesn't pull out, it's probably the #743 or 806. It fits without cutting the box but doesn't extend as much as needed for these longer equipment pieces on tighter radius.

 Using the #804 or 746 and cutting the back of the box off works better as Matt posted.

Didn't know that the turnout was an Atlas-Roco 24" radius. A 24" radius curve is WAY too sharp for a locomotive (or freight car) that big. The MTH 6-axle diesels (contrary to popular belief) will negotiate 36" radius with a car coupled, but you should have medium-shank couplers with shaved boxes installed to get more swing. Given the locomotive's 3-rail sibling being able to handle 21" radius, I'm not surprised the loco's trucks were able to swing far enough, but I'm surprised the engine's wheels didn't derail because they don't have a lot of lateral movement.

X2- your switches are too tight. Restrict that siding to 4-axle switchers only.

Geno

What if he uses the longer couplers and puts a buffer car in between? Maybe a short flat car or gondola? or is it longer that would help???

It seems the engine will handle a tighter radius than it's supposed to!

And this is why we have switchers..........

look at how much shorter a SD35 is than the big ones:

 

He got them right from the boxes the turnouts came in -- see his photos accompanying his Nov 9 post.  This is just one of the reasons -- there are MANY -- I suggested above that his earlier posts be reviewed;  at one time the max radius on his main line was 24" .....

SZ

Why multiple threads on same issue?

Reply By Tom Tee: Atlas turnouts & 2014 ES44ACHi Tom, I know you know more about Model Rail Roading then me. But the numbers I posted are from the boxes the switches came in and they are 2 rail not 3. So I am now confused. If you would like I can take a picture of the switch and box it came in.

I stand corrected.  Sorry for the confusion. 

 

The early switches were never intended to handle the engines and cars shown.  The 24" radius switches have limited application for today's equipment.

 

Photos always help.

 

 

 

 

When one really wants to work in 1/4":' they need to weigh equipment, era & layout design against space availability. 

 

A single wall point to point or around the wall point to point, even if it can not go in a complete loop can be a very interesting build.

 

Swinging 180 degrees of curvature or using a less than  #5 turnouts has practical  requirements and limitations.

 

A linear point to point can feature very comfortable  cosmetic curves and # 6-8  turnouts.  Lots of operating opportunities.