I would like to attach Atlas switch motors to Gargraves switches but I'm unclear on how to do it. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Lenny J
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Why?
I agree, why??
We run our trains for 6 hours every Saturday and Sunday in the summer and we have automatic switching from one track to another. We originally had Lionel tubular with Lionel switches and we did not have any issues. We then changed to Gargrave track and switches and we have had nothing but issues. The most common issue is the switch does not throw completely about 10% of the time. Changing voltage has not helped. Secondly the switch motors do not last. The Atlas switch motors work on coils similar to the old Lionel switched so we want to try them. We did convert one switch to NJ switch machine with great success but they are getting hard to find.
I would go with Tortice under table
please keep in mind that if you hook up the atlas to non derail feeding right off the rail, your wheels will keep the coil activated the length of the train, hence, burning up the coil.
romiller
For switch motors, consider using Tortoise with a slightly stiffer wire. or Z-stuff. Atlas has it's limitations, very distinct limitations.
Switching to GG track was a good move. GG switches...well you may have shot your self in the foot.
Going on to use Atlas switch motors is shooting the other foot. IMO, Replace the GG turnouts with powered Ross turnouts and all is well. Sell the GG switches a.s.a.p.
GG track and Ross turnouts are a 3 rail defacto standard.
I am not familiar with Gargraves switches, which switch machines do you have on them now? It looks like they are available with DZ-1000 switch machines which I think is a pretty good switch machine. I only have one on an Atlas switch, but I have been impressed with it so far. All my others are Atlas switches and switch machines. I had to use the DZ-1000 due to limited space, the Atlas machine wouldn't fit. I have not had any problems with new Atlas switch machines. I have had problems with some I purchased used and had to replace them.
The Atlas switch machine may be difficult to attach to another brand of switch because of the way the throw bar linkage connects. There is a small, round plastic piece that fits in to a matching hole on the throw bar. There is also a clip on the Atlas machine that slides into a socket on the switch at the linkage connection, that could be removed if need be though.
Romiller49, Atlas makes a non-derail circuit board to protect switches from the burn out. The Gargraves come with the DZ-1000 and they are not up to the 6 hour a day use. They do not throw consistently under heavy use. The Atlas switch machine is supposed to be able to be used with the Gargraves and I'm looking for direction on how it is done.
I think I would call Atlas or Gargraves and ask them about mounting. Atlas has been very helpful to me with some questions I have had over the last few years. Atlas or Gargraves may have an attachment bracket or something already made up for these switch machines? I have all Atlas, I've never contacted Gargraves.
OK, to start with let me say that for over 25 years now i've been running Gargraves track with a mix of Ross, Curtis, used and new Gargraves turnouts. While Ross are the the Rolls Royce of O gauge turnouts, they also have a price to match. Personally i think Gargraves turnouts have gotten a bad rap (sort of like fruit cake ). Anyone with a keen eye and half a lick of mechanical ability can make these perform flawlessly if they aren't already.
Now to switch machines. I've tried them all: DZ-1000, Atlas, Totoise, and various twin coil machines. Burned out both a DZ-1000 and an Atlas one in one evening (not the same evening!!LOL) Threw them in the parts box rather then send back on warranty. They wouldn't handle the constant non-derailing. Tortoise is great, but in my situation i would have had to re-wire over 30 turnouts and rebuild my entire control panel plus rewire some signals that were part of the system all at once. Plus even at dealer cost that would have been a lot of $ outlay all at once. I have found that the twin coil machines are pretty reliable although sometimes can be finicky to get them adjusted right. Also they vary in quality. It seems with the late NJI production the quality went away before the name went on. My favorites are the old Tenshodo ones when i can find them at train shows and at old hobby shops. A fair price for them is $4-$6 when you can find them.
A few days ago someone here had a bunch of them (NJI & Tenshodo) listed here on the For Sale section.
jackson
Thanks for all the input. I agree with modeltrainsparts that the twin coils seem to be the most reliable and I'm hoping the Atlas non derailing board will prevent burn out. But no one has tried to explain how to attach the Atas to gargraves
Use ROSS switches !!!
Hope this helps.
Rod
Romiller
L.I. Train, my issue is not the switch but the switch machine. romiller 49, can you scan a copy of the instructions? I picked up a used atlas machine to use as a test and it did not have instructions. Thanks for your help. Lenny
here ta go Lenny, best I can do with the pictures.
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thank you romiller49 that's just what I needed to see. Lenny
This may be a little better picture of the instructions. I tried to post this yesterday, but for some reason the forum wouldn't let me? Thought I would try it again and all is working now. Good luck with your switch machines, hope it works for you.
Now who would have ever thought to look at the instructions???
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Thanks rtr12
Lenny, please note that I changed the power and common hook up on my sheet. The power always goes to the center screw post. Only commons go the the ACS3000.
Rod
Thank you all for your help. I now know I need to get the special linkage Atlas makes to convert to Gargraves switches. Does anyone have this linkage and wants to sell? Lenny
The piece shown in the directions comes with the new Atlas switch machine when purchased separately. I didn't know what it was until this thread got me to read the directions again. I have a few (maybe 4-5, I'll get a count) I will just mail to you if you email me your address, I won't need them as I use Atlas switches and they link differently. My email is in my profile.
I would imagine you could purchase them from Atlas as well, for the remaining ones you need. They are very helpful with parts at Atlas.
I am a big fan of Atlas track, but the switch machines are not very good. I would go to the trouble of installing Tortoises and have a good reliable operation. I HAVE REPLACED ALL MY Atlas switch machines with Tortoise and wish I had done it sooner.
Art
With what I know about Gargraves and Ross switches they both use the DZ Industries switch motors, either the DZ-1000 or the DZ-2500. You could change out the DZI switch motor with another brand.
Lee Fritz
Chugman did you use the circuit board Atlas sells to control switches?? phillyreading, the dz1000 is the ones under performing for us since we use an isolated rail system to constantly reroute our trains and these machines do not throw all the way every once in a while.