Whose HO switches would you recommend

[mlachap925]

I am Building a new HO layout and would like to have some advice on choosing a specific manufacturer of switches. I am going to use Atlas Code 83 track, but I am undecided on what switch company I should use in my layout.

I open to all advice and your past experience before I make this purchase.

Thanks,
Michael

 

[macjet]

FastTracks.

And get rid of the Atlas track. Go with ME.

 

[rlundy90]

Peco is what I would use.

 

[tomustang]

And get rid of the Atlas track.

Why?......

 

[Ericsauto]

I have all atlas code 83 track. My switches work very well and I have no problems. Yes other switches may be better but I have heard a lot of comments on mixing track brands.

Key to any track is how you install it. You have to make sure it all goes down level and especially switches

 

[hamltnblue]

Atlas track and turnouts are very good and one of the top brands used. Some like other brands which also have their strengths and weaknesses.

 

[tankist]

i have nothing agains track but as far as turnouts i started with atlas and changed to peco. not sorry one bit. actually i'm sorry i ever bothered with atlas (resold them at loss). in code 100 peco's look much better and perform times and times better.

for C83 i'd go with walthers turnouts. they seem somewhat better then peco

 

[cg51]

FastTracks are the best by far, i use Peco flex with them and get a good fit using peco rail joiners, I sell built Fast Tracks turnouts in Code83, see my listing in the for sale section for prices.

 

[UP2CSX]

There's nothing at all wrong with Atlas code 83 track. Micro Engineering code 83 track looks a little better but the running qualities for both brands are similar. I certainly wouldn't scrap it if I had it on hand.

If you have the budget, Peco code 83 switches are superior to Atlas Customline switches, both in build and running qualities. They are about twice to three times as expensive as Atlas switches, so the number you need may be a make or break issue. Atlas Customline switches, particularly the new Super Switch line, are still good, useable products, but they will take some work to make them run smoothly and reliably. Many of us have been using Atlas switches for years and, while they may be a little tempermental at first, they work well once they are tuned up.

If you do decide to go with Peco and are going to use DCC, make sure you get Insulfrog type, since the Electrofrog variety has some problems with DCC.

 

[macjet]

If you do decide to go with Peco and are going to use DCC, make sure you get Insulfrog type, since the Electrofrog variety has some problems with DCC.

What kind of problem Jim?

 

[UP2CSX]

Mac, check out http://www.loystoys.com/peco/about-insulfrog.html. Click on the bottom link about Electrofrog switches after you read about the advantages of the Insulfrof. Loy did a lot better job explaining it than I can.

 

[nephthyr]

I have had absolutely no issues with my Atlas code 83 flex track and code 83 turnouts. The only issues I did have was due to my poor trackwork and section joints. Atlas code 83 super switches work extremely well with Caboose Industries #202S ground throws.

 

[macjet]

Mac, check out http://www.loystoys.com/peco/about-insulfrog.html. Click on the bottom link about Electrofrog switches after you read about the advantages of the Insulfrof. Loy did a lot better job explaining it than I can.

Thanks Jim. I've been reading but I'm still not sure where the problem is. We run powered frogs on Free-mo with no issues. Perhaps it's a Peco thing.

 

[macjet]

Why?......

Unrealistic profile, out of scale ties and spikes, and rail won't hold a curve.

 

[julienjj]

Why?......

i vote for peco!
atlas quality control is strange, i have some that are really good, let 6 axles loco go thru without any trouble and some other who are just good for garbage. Peco offer a better quality, nor the least , atlas switch machine are HUGE!!!!!!!!, not recommended at all for yard. If your layout is going to be quite large, i would opt for fasttrack DIY switch, because they tend to be cheaper on the long run.

However, atlas flex track is fine, and really flexible !

 

[Cjcrescent]

I hand lay my turnouts, freehand, don't use FT at all.

 

[Cjcrescent]

Thanks Jim. I've been reading but I'm still not sure where the problem is. We run powered frogs on Free-mo with no issues. Perhaps it's a Peco thing.

I believe that the problem comes in from folks not wiring them correctly. If you are using powered frog turnouts on a DCC layout, The "old" DC wiring rules for turnouts have to be followed.

Back when there was no DCC, only DC, all turnouts had to be wired like this for block control. Since on my layout, except for my hidden staging yards, all the track and turnouts are handlaid, this is how I have to wire them to prevent shorts. Additional gaps can be placed to the left of the feeders, effectively isolating the turnout, but that has to be done only rarely.

 

[Beachbum]

I have had absolutely no issues with my Atlas code 83 flex track and code 83 turnouts.

I've used Atlas C100 flex with Atlas and Peco switches in HO, Peco switches with Atlas flex in N, Atlas C83 flex and switches on my current HO layout.

I've had no problems with any Atlas product aside from their N-scale switches which seem to have very loose points.

I really like Peco turnouts because they are sprung but considering the cost difference, I went with Atlas for my C83.

 

[tankist]

what i don't like in atlas is their frog. unlike peco, wheels dip between the rails when crossing . as a result there is clanking when the train going through turnout even more so with #6 turnout

 

[Trucklover]

I've used Atlas Track in the past, but with all future layouts ill be hand-laying, well semi-hand-laying i guess, using Central Valley Turnout kits and Tie Strips. Ill use the rail from either ME or the Code 83 and Code 70 from the PROTO 87 Stores. Ive heard nothing but good good good about track laid with Central Valley Products