Having problems with the Atlas #5 2 rail turnouts (stalling) I wonder
if anyone uses Old Pullman and how well they perform?
I've replaced 1 Atlas and may replace all the rest.
Can't stand having beautiful sound equipped locos and have them
stall on the *()* switches.

quote:

Originally posted by John Albee:
Having problems with the Atlas #5 2 rail turnouts (stalling)
I've replaced 1 Atlas and may replace all the rest.

Hi John, How are you powering the frog and points? It should be easier(and a lot cheaper) to fix the atlas than pull it out and replace it....dave

Hi Dave,
we've tried to power the point rails somewhat unsuccessfully.
if you've got to rework the darn thing, heck with it. at $60 bucks a throw.
like my last wife, they're outa here.
I've tried to find Peco but they're hard to find in O.
I hope Old Pullman performs well.

quote:

Originally posted by John Albee:

we've tried to power the point rails somewhat unsuccessfully.
if you've got to rework the darn thing, heck with it. at $60 bucks a throw.
like my last wife, they're outa here.

Hi John, It's not just the price, it's the labor too.
Any switch is just a collection of parts.
If it's in gauge it takes only a few minutes to wire it up.
I don't have any atlas switches but should be able to figure out how to make it work. Tell me more. Does it have insulated throw bar( are the right and left points electrically separated?)if so connect each point to it's adjacent running rail with a short thin jumper wire. If not figure out how to insulate the points then jumper wire them. Next add a power wire to the frog so you can switch the polarity to match the route. If you use switch machines they will have a power lug for this if not you need to add some kind of mechanical switch to the throw mechanism.
No matter what brand you install you'll have to do these things so might as well keep the atlas in place and work with it.....dave

I have previously expressed my disappointment in Atlas turnouts! I have been in O Gauge for a long time and and ahve used Atlas track throughout that time. IMHO the switch machines supplies with these expensive turnouts are much too weak! and require continuous maintenance. I finally removed one from my three rail layout because I simply could not get it to reliabily move the points even though I kept jacking up the voltage to "give it more snap".

John,
I am using both Atlas and Old Pullman turnouts. All of the Old Pullmans required reworking to put them in gauge. None of the Atlas required that. I always use Atlas 7.5 switches unless the application calls for a double slip or curved turnout. We use switch machines with instant toggling rather than the slow motion of Tortoise machines.

Like Bob, I used Atlas #7.5 switches except in two spots where I was forced to use #5s. I found that if I set up a production line type of activity, I can wire the point rails in about six minutes (before installation), and the frogs in about ten (after installation).



A soldering station is very helpful. I have never had any problem with an Atlas switch out of gauge, But I have had to lightly file a few frogs and points now and then.

With these mods I have no problem with stalling, even with the MTH 2 rail steamers that pick up only from the left rear tender truck

This message has been edited. Last edited by: John Sethian,

Hi John, I have some used Roco code #148 switches. I think that they are about a number #6 switch. Perhaps we can trade your Atlas for my Roco. If you have any interest please email me at bill4950@aol.com
Thank You

Bill

Do you still have any of the old Atlas/Roco switches? I need a left hand switch that is intact!

I have eight (so far) Atlas switches on my layout. My feeling are similar to yours in that when I buy track with the reputation of Atlas I expect, like HO'ers, to put 'em down and use them.

I did not find this to be the case with the Atlas O Switches. On my bench none of the points would reliably carry current; and that was new before dirt and paint. So like John Sethian says (we compared notes at the time) I put jumpers on all the points while on the bench. This way it is quick and easy.

AND YOU WILL HAVE TO DO THE SAME **** THING WITH THE OLD PULLMANs. sorry about the yelling

Summary opinion: Since you already have the Atlas, add the jumpers and use them. ray