Converting Atlas Switch Machines
Stan Godfrey
Anyone know how to convert Atlas switch machines for under the table use?
I have a bunch of "regular" switch machines. Planning a new layout and
want the machines "hidden" on the roadbed.
Thanx,
Stan
Mcchoo
manufactured present day, you will find detailed diagrams and text describing
this conversion . This text is either on the rear of turnout packaging at or
near the bottom or enclosed inside the clear plastic bubble packaging folded
into a small square about 1/2" square placed behind the turnout and the
cardboard packaging ; IF memory serves me correct. If either of these fail to
provide info., I suggest you contact a knowledgeable hobby shop in your area
for the info. you seek. Good luck!
Eric
>
> Hi,
>
> Anyone know how to convert Atlas switch machines for under the table use?
> want the machines "hidden" on the roadbed.
It's a fairly straightforward procedure. The above-the-table machine is
not itself designed for under-table use. If you're going to use the
Atlas #65 under-table switch machines (which I find rather frustrating),
the maximum thickness of your baseboard PLUS roadbed can be is 1 inch.
If you use Tortoise switch machines (highly recommended) you can
probably use thicker materials, if desired. These steps are based on
the Atlas instructions.
1. Remove the existing twin-coil switch machines from the turnout.
Remove the two screws and then pull the machines out (& discard...).
2. Position the turnout in the desired position on the roadbed; do not
fasten it down yet. Find the hole in the middle of the throwbar,
between the rails. Place a small drill bit (#55) in the hole and mark a
pilot hole on the roadbed.
3. Remove the turnout and drill a 3/8 to 1/2 inch hole thru the roadbed
and baseboard.
4. The Atlas #65 machine is mounted on the underside of the baseboard,
with the throw pin sticking up thru the hole. The pin must be centered
in the hole during installation. (This can be a challenge if you're
working on your back underneath your layout...) Then the turnout
throwbar is placed over the pin, and the turnout is fastened to the
roadbed in the usual manner.
5. The Tortoise mounting procedure is a little different; see the
instructions. (If you need info on the advantages of Tortoise machines,
some of us on this NG will be happy to advise.)
Eric
(to reply remove "-blahblah")
GP30SIEB
just make sure to tape or tack the points in a center position when puting in
the switch machine.
Frank A. Rosenbaum
What I have done on occassion, was to take the motor, gently heat the prong
that is used to move the points and bend it to a 90 degree angle. then
fitted it under and fastened it right to the turnout. Then I milled the road
bed to accept the modified turnout, drilled for the wire and passed it
through the hole. I left a longish loop of wire under the layout, so I could
remove the turnout and motor, if needs be. To attach the turnout to the rest
of the layout, cut the spacers under the track before the points so you can
push the ties back and put the railjoiners on and have the forward end not
protrude. Next install your insulated joiners on the proper rails and join
the tracks beyond the turnout, set the point end down, and slide the
railjoiners forward, half way across the joint. then, push the ties back
into place. (make sure the turnout motor works the way you want it to.)
>Hi,
>
>Anyone know how to convert Atlas switch machines for under the table use?
>I have a bunch of "regular" switch machines. Planning a new layout and
>want the machines "hidden" on the roadbed.
>
>
>Thanx,
>
>
>Stan
>
Bruce H. Stull
Do consider more prototypical machines - Roto-Motor, Switchmaster,
Tortoise or Scale Shops.
They are slow, quiet, powerful - and some (in kit form), as low as
$6.25.
Happy modeling!
Bruce
Robert Heller
In a message on 24 Jan 1999 15:37:04 GMT, wrote :
"G> Hi,
"G>
"G> Anyone know how to convert Atlas switch machines for under the table use?
"G> I have a bunch of "regular" switch machines. Planning a new layout and
"G> want the machines "hidden" on the roadbed.
Atlas sells an "Under-table Switch Machine", item #65 in their catalog
(visit http://www.atlasrr.com/, click on products => H0 products => code 83
track => switch machines).
You probably want to get "manual" turnouts -- Atlas "manual" turnouts
are just the same as "remote" turnouts, but without the switch machine
-- and get the "Under-table Switch Machines" separately.
"G>
"G>
"G> Thanx,
"G>
"G>
"G> Stan
"G>
"G>
--
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Eric & Heidi
> layout and want the machines "hidden" on the roadbed.
WhitAdele
Homer
Richard P. Kubeck
shops.
Take the switch machine and mount it upside down on the bottom of the
switch,then take a peice of double stick tape,I prefer using a tape that
model airplane builders use to mount servos,very thin and very
strong.Now cut the throwbar that use to connect to the switch
machine.Mark the both extremes of the throw of the machine and glue this
piece to the bottom of the the throwbar.
Now you have to decide whether you want to raise the road bed or bore a
hole in the bench work that the machine will fit into.
I personnally have 80 switches mounted this way and have not had a
failure or problem in over 15 years.
Just an idea.
UNCLE
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