Switch replacement

[oplholik]

On my N scale I have several atlas #4 manual switches I am wanting to replace on the parts of the layout that the 6 axle diesels run on. The locos do not run well on these, even straight thru. So, I have looked at Peco switches(or are they turnouts?) and wonder what other good brands of switches there are for N scale, code 80 track. Are the insulfrog good to use? I assume that is what the Atlas switches are. Would it be better to go with #6 switches, if so, hopefully that wouldn't cause a major taking up of track to get them in. I've noticed that Atlas does make a higher end switch, Custom N line, are these good or are they just another Atlas switch? Ok, so I think that's all the questions I can think of for now. Appreciate your feed back. Thanks.

 

[tankist]

i'm not sure about N but Peco certainly comes a cross as more quality product then Atlas for not that much extra money.

 

[RW&C]

Hacking in a #6 where you have a #4 will be a bit of a project. I assume the flextrack around the switch is all glued/spiked/ballasted? You'll have to rip up a fair amount of it to change switch number. #6s are longer than #4s, and the diverging route is at a different angle as well. You may be able to leave most of the main route intact, but the spur or siding or whatever the diverging route goes to will probably have to move a bit.

I haven't seen Atlas's new lineup of switches, so I have no clue on that one.

Before you rip them out, try adjusting them a bit. The switch points may need some filing, the frogs may need a little work, etc. There's no good reason for an engine to have a problem going through a switch straight. Diverging, that I can see, #4s are sharp, but if they're derailing going straight, there's more than switch number working against you. You may be able to save yourself a lot of track ripping by getting the switches you have to work.

 

[Beachbum]

I use all Peco medium Insulfrogs on my N-scale HCD layout. I think they're far superior to Atlas.