Atlas 2R turnout improvements

I would shorten the frog wing rails and guard rails to a more correct length.

Jim's putting it mildly.

Better isolation (insulation) between the frog and the 4 rails leading into it.

Ed

Make them to NMRA specs.

ChipR

Wings on guardrails and frogs shortened and positioned to American practice

Cast frog heights that match approach rail height

Positive electrical connection of feeder tabs to frog (existing ones sometimes fail)

Plastic in gaps to assure an insulated frog

redesigned rail joiners that grip the rail's web for positive alignment

and has been mentioned - stronger throw bars

With 60+ years of model railroad experience - there should be no excuse for AtlasO track being anything other than reliable and prototype looking.  

Ed Rappe

I know this won't go over well, but I actually wish they would loosen the tolerances a bit so that we could run MTH Proto 3/2 Hi-Rail steam through them. That would open up a lot more options for motive power. Old head 2 railers wouldn't like it, but if they could be built to allow MTH Hi-Rail and NMRA engines that would be great. Perhaps not possible, but if someone would make a realistic looking (not GG or RCS) 2 rail track system that would allow the 3 rail Hi-Rail crowd to easily switch over to 2 rail we might see more new modelers in 2 rail.  Just a thought.

The old Roco switches would probably handle both.   they have a pretty crude frog and come with an insert to let the flange on 2-rail equipment go through them.   They are about equivalent to a #6.    I have many on my layout and they work fine with 2-rail, but some equipment will bump over the wide frog.

these are not the same as the ones imported by Altas that were 24 inch radius.   These came in 2 pieces with railjoiners connecting them.    I don't know if they are still available in the states or even in Europe.  

They were quite common for awhile and are actually DCC friendly and have plastic insulated frogs.   

I meant to say metal frogs with plastic shim insulation around them.

I centered my comments on the frog Friday and was met with a very strong defense that the frog size/length is absolutely prototypically correct. 

I also suggested that the code 138 guard rails be enlarged to code 148.

I think the frog may be ok.   I really don't know.   But the guard rails look over long and silly.    Also the rail heads on all the Atlas track look very wide.    It does not have the slender look of scale rail.   It looks more like 3-rail tinplate track without the center rail.

I don't have any Atlas switches, so I never noticed that the frog may be at a different height than running rails as mentioned above.    That would be a very big issue for me.   

One has to wonder which railroad they are talking about.

And in which country

Here are some more prototypical frog models:

The top photo is an Old Pullman with Lou's details:

Brad Strong custom turnouts:

Yeah no kidding, the frog and guard rails are an eye sore.  I would much prefer something correct and in spec. if I were to buy the product.

Please don't blame Atlas (or anyone else) for MTH's disregard for NMRA Specs in 1/48.  It's something they cannot do in other scales.  I heard a rumor a few years ago that one of the reasons why Lionel is so adamant about not doing anything in 2-rail is some past feud between Lionel (or someone at Lionel) and the NMRA.

ncng,

If you need excellent curved turnouts call Brad Strong, 801 area code 884.6354.

Several of us have been getting his custom curved turnouts over the last year

I have installed many of his custom curved turnouts of any radius.  They are CAD based and perform flawlessly.  60"/72",  72"/84", half curved / half straight, any radii.  He even presolders 18 gauge drops in what ever color code needed.

All points share polarity with their stock rail.

He will be making special industrial turnouts for me with an slight "S" curve for a tight run a round spot.

This pair is 62"72"

This Brad Strong turnout is a 72"/84"

This is Brad's 90"/108"

He usually delivers in a few weeks.  Regular #6 is about $74.  Any curved turnout is $124.  Best recent product in 0 scale track work IMO. tt

The answer here is to buy actual 2 rail equipment.........or maybe ask Mike to make you some track.

Simon

Considering a throw bar fix is in the works, correct guard rails would be the thing next most important to me.

Simon

Unfortunately, there is less and less 2R equipment being made. I'm sick of MTH canceling scale-wheel versions of models I like so I quit ordering them. Trust me, I have pleaded with MTH to build their Hi-Rail models with code .172 tread and NMRA spec gauging. But they don't seem to care. Ironically, if they would build them like that then they truly would operate on 2 or 3 rail track.

Sorry to get off topic.

http://www.signatureswitchco.com/

If I was starting this is the track I would go with based on what I see. ncng

Brad built me a code 125 #5 turnout for an industrial area ($70).

I'm sorry and wish Atlas well but for ready-built turnouts, I'm using Signature Switch.

Even though I lay most of my own switches, I used Brad Strong @ Signature Switch to build this beauty for a critical location requiring perfect operation...he delivered on that need exceptionally well. This is a 49"/49" radius with a slightly altered point alignment per his suggestion based upon my particular need.

I'd easily recommend his services to anyone needing a quality switch.

Bob

Had an Old Pullman # 8 double slip that had many hours of work put in to it and never could get it to perform satisfactorily. Yanked it out and replaced with a Signature # 8 double slip. Perfect operation and no bumping as cars go through it.

Brad is an O scaler himself and understands our requirements.

I have all Atlas track and switches. How does the switch from Brad with ME rail line up with Atlas (code 148) ?

 Does the profile match up?

I figure a lot of you guys are using ME track?

Thanks Guys.. They look like great products! Will definitely be trying them.   Anyone have a comparison between these switches and those that Bill produces at O Scale Turnouts?

I have a coupla questions for those of you who have used turnouts and other special work that use a mix of copper-clad and conventional [ wood, usually, I imagine ] ties regarding their 'scenic' treatment:

1.  How do you handle the difference in appearance when painted, such as the way they might reflect light differently ?  Do you give the copper ties a hand coat of primer or say grimy black first, etc ?  I ask this because I have had some visual problems where plastic and wood, or even different types of plastic, ties are comingled.  Yes, I realize "every tie is different" and I purposely have different tie types, etc, in various locations -- but it's where the ties "shouldn't" be different that gives me the problems.

2.  What about the isolating cut on the copper surface ?  Sure, the old "derailment" thing -- but suppose you don't want that look ?

Best regards, SZ

From what I can tell the biggest difference between Signature Switch and O Scale Turnouts is that Signature Switch is using all rail and what looks like the Fast Tracks jigs/templates, quick sticks for ties whereas O Scale Turnouts is using rail and castings for the points, frog and guardrails.  The ties on the O Scales Turnouts RL (Ready to Lay) switches also are individual ties vs. the quick sticks approach. 

As far as I know Brad laser cuts 1/4" HDF ties for his turnouts.  I get my turnouts from OScaleTurnouts because I do not want the ties preinstalled.  I'm not sure what Bill uses for ties but in both cases they are glued to the rail.  I like using tie plates so that is not an option.  Bill gets his components from RoW and I think Brad get his from American Switch and Signal.  In my opinion they are both absolutely worth the premium over Atlas turnouts.  The fact that I'm moving over to 4'8.5" gauge is just icing on the cake.

ncng, thank you for your post.  That's about the same as my approach -- except I never thought of the clear coat afterwards, which might be the answer to my problem.  What do you use for the clear coat ?

Best regards, SZ

Bill and Brad both make excellent products, both are very responsible "nice guy" business people bringing a sorely needed product to the 0 scale market.  I have used both and would use either again. 

One of the deciding things for me was the need for custom curved turnouts.  Working in 0 scale 2 rail I find that most all switches need to be pushed back well into the previous curve.  Standard straight turnouts just require too much real estate in an already too small space.

Sidings coming off standard turnouts frequently are forced to be shorter.  Using standard turnouts I am usually surgically altering 1, 2 or all three ends to make it work best.  Time is money either in savings or billing.

There are TONS of 2R stuff on the secondary market. Almost everything I have in 2R was acquired from secondary sources, including track. Sell the 3R and buy 2R if that is where you want to be. I did it, the only difference being I was in HO. It might take a bit of time, but it can be done......and the great bulk of what I bought from secondary sources was in NEW unused condition. You just have to look.

Simon