Atlas Code 100 Switch Throws

ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.


conrailocs

conrailocs

New Member
Hi,
I'm building my first layout and using Atlas code 100 track. I need to find a way to throw my switches. I hate the look of Atlas's switch machines and don't have the money to use tortise throws. Does anyone have any ideas or solutions to this problem? Any help or comments would be appreciated.
-conrailocs
 
Conrailocs,
Caboose Industries makes a variety of ground throws that are both inexpensive and very functional. In fact, I have some from previous layouts that have lasted over 20 years! Check out this link: http://www.cabooseind.com/ I think you will be very happy with the product.

By the way, congratulations on building your first Model Railroad!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Caboose Industries have some good throws, I use N scale ones for my HO layout.
A lot of people push the levers right to the ground but you only need to go horizontal. (a pet peeve of mine)
Here's a tutorial on hot to make the Atlas switch act like a Peco: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rfZpe1LNjk
 


Rico,
I also use N Scale throws, I am glad you mentioned that... and you are spot on with the comment regarding the horizontal position of the lever! In fact, if you push the lever to the ground, it unnecessarily forces the ground throw frame apart. I have also (in some cases) painted the lever "RED" (diverging) and "GREEN" (normal) to visually represent the turnout position.
 
conrailocs said:
I'm building my first layout and using Atlas code 100 track. I need to find a way to throw my switches. I hate the look of Atlas's switch machines and don't have the money to use tortise throws. Does anyone have any ideas or solutions to this problem?
Click to expand...
Tons of ideas. There is a lot of equipment on the used market. At the local swap meet last week there was a fellow who had 10 or so Switchmaster (the original slow motion switch motors) for $8 each. I would have bought them had I not already spent all my money on other stuff.....
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I am working on the very same issue. Made some sketches this morning for a home made device. I will be putting it together this weekend and post the photo monday.

This will not cost you anything, work on plywood only, and be something you can replace later when you decide to upgrade.

lasm
 
I've used a bunch of Kemtron switch machines I found on e-bay. The advantage to them is they are positive-locking and have electrical contacts that can be used for signals or track power routing. The can be mounted under the table, or above-ground. They are fairly flat, though not so much as the Atlas machines. They also are difficult to activate by hand, so may not be what you want. There is another style, that is larger, and is spring loaded and can be activated by hand. Their drawback is, if mounted directly to a plywood base, they make a fairly loud thump, but will really, positively throw a turnout! Again, unfortunately, they are no longer manufactured, but may be found on e-bay. The switch machines I don't like are the Peco machines. To me, they are underpowered, and don't always throw the Peco turnouts completely. The turnouts, themselves, have a spring-loaded over-center mechanism, so they can be used with their own machines. I've replaced most Peco machines with other ones. Just MHO.
 


Here is a crazy idea that you may want to experiment with, it you are that type of person. Just a simple lever and a couple nails. If you want to get more artistic, you can come up with something that better suits your taste. I got this idea looking at some switch throws on the BNSF.

IMG_4793.JPG

This is going on a suspended layout, and the long lever is for ease of operation; as the plywood section will be located about 6 1/2 feet above the floor.

I will put some description and more photos on my alternative materials thread.



lasm
 

Attachments

  • IMG_4795.JPG
    IMG_4795.JPG
    112.4 KB · Views: 205
  • IMG_4796.JPG
    IMG_4796.JPG
    114.9 KB · Views: 233
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.




Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website (Learn More Here)

Back
Top