Sidings

[g-pa1]

I have two manual turnout switches and a siding attached to the mainline of an N Scale track. If I manually switch the first switch so that the loco takes the siding instead of the mainline do I need to switch the other turnout at the other end of the siding in order to have the loco stay on the track or does it matter?

[trmwf]

Marc, The Pecos that are power routing are the electro frogs and yes all pecos are spring loaded. If you are going to do this also take a look at Micro Engineering. They also have power routing turnouts and, in my opinion, are much better looking than pecos and atlas and are also very reliable. Hell, if you're going to start swapping out turnouts you may as well go to code 55 and get it really sharp looking. prof

[untabubba]

Prof, Wouldn't going code 55 also mean swapping out (scale) MILES of flex and snap track I've accumulated over the last year? FWIW: Those junky B-mann E-Z track turnouts were power routing (only) That is, that's the only way they come. So, I have some experience with this feature and I can see where I may not want them in certain places. I guess I'll figure that out as I finalize my track plan. I'll take a peek at the Micro Engineering. Are they also spring loaded? Marc

[g-pa1]

Thanks everyone for the lessons. I do have the wiring book but I can't seem to find it in the box I thought I put it in. I will keep looking though. I was downstairs earlier and threw both switches and ran the train for a while with out any derailments. Now If I wanted to replace the manual atlas switches with something else electric would I have to get atlas electric switches or would you recommend other switches for this application. Peco seems to be the switch of choice but can I just swap out the manual switches and insert the Peco switches or do I need to modify the track. I am attempting to keep this layout simple but it seems that I am getting more and more compicated as I go. And I thought scenery would be the hardest part of this layout. I'll try to post some pictures. Fred come on down(and anyone else that want to, I can always use the help!!) Gene

[janesew]

I've been running about 40 Atlas turnouts, using under table motors and Caboose Ind ground throws, for about two years and haven't had ANY problems with derailments (unless of course, I forgot to throw a switch). I find them to be adequate for my needs. I also have a few Peco turnouts. If I were to start ALL over from scratch I might consider buying all Peco but a new layout is going to cost me plenty without being able to salvage the turnouts from the old one. I may regret it down the line but so far I find Atlas quite reliable if you are very careful lining up your track and not nailing them down so hard it pulls them out of gauge. I may change my mind as I move forward, talk to more folks, and finally win that lottery. I mean, I drive a Dakota truck, not a Toyota fer Chris' sakes, and I'm happy so far. Fred

[ginzokid]

Gene, For now, get the Atlas switch motors. You have two choices. The ones that snap on to the side of the turnout and look just like the manual ones you have or the under the table kind from Atlas also. The installation of this type requires that you drill a hole through your table to mount the machine under the table and use the vertical spike that connects to your turnout through this hole. You want simple, go for the side mounted machines. These can be hid under scenery like small toolsheds, a grove of trees or a bunch of bushes for cosmetic reasons. Remember, this is still a learning experience. You might like the Micro-Engineering or Pecos better in the long run, but learn how and what with the Atlas for now. Use what you have invested in so far. When you win the lottery, you can up-grade. As long as you can run your trains and enjoy the experience, you have accomplished the goal. When you become dissatisfied is the time for a change. Rule #1. This is fun. Rule #2. It is your railroad. B-)

[janesew]

Sorry Gene, I didn't see your post as we were on at the same time. Be careful Gene, I might take you up on that offer. I want to take a trip to New York in the Spring and I haven't got a place to stay anymore! Will trade a little model RR for some B&B. ;) Fred ... and I'll even BYOB the C&C.

[g-pa1]

Fred, If upstate NY is your cup of tea come on down. We got a nice queen size sleigh bed in one of the bedrooms. Gene

[janesew]

Oh... UP-state NY. Never mind. ;) Just kidding. How far are you from Buffalo or are you closer to the Cornwall crossing? If this was summer I'd buzz down on the bike if you were close enough and take a look at your layout. There are a lot of guys here who have more experience but I like playing around with someone else's stuff. Gotta go, late dinner being served! F

[g-pa1]

Fred, Just North of Syracuse - The village of Cicero. Used to be a biker but then got into sports cars and now into a convertible and a Forester. Gene

[ginzokid]

After seeing your pictures, it looks like the siding you are talking about is actually a passing siding type thingy. Anyway, I would strongly suggest you power these two turnouts as they are in an awkward location. B-)

[g-pa1]

ck switch and have it go under the bench work to the front of the layout? One switch is easy to get to and still could be manual but the back switch could be a problem.Yes it is a passing siding. Only problem it is not isolated from the main line thus the loco wouldn't stay put. I don't anticipate having two loco's running on the track at the same time though. Gene

[g-pa1]

Pete, This keyboard has a mind of it's own lately. I was asking if there was a manual switch that would have an extension that would go under the table to the front of the layout. Gene

[janesew]

Gene, Syracuse is a little over 3 hours away. I haven't been that way for many years but I remember it being beautiful lake country. There's a high speed ferry that runs from Rochester to Toronto. (It's new but I think they are having trouble getting it going) Still, you're a bit too far away for me to drop in this weekend 🙂 but I'll keep it in mind for future trips to NY. F

[janesew]

Gene, The rig for a manual switch extension might be more complicated than rigging a remote motor. I'll let Pete or someone else try to explain how to put together those manual switch extensions. It's been shown to me before but I opted for the little electric wires instead. F

[g-pa1]

F, Wanted lake property but the new house is only a stones throw from the largest lake fully within the boundries of NYS - Oneida Lake. The Ferry from Rochester is Kaput but may resume at a later date. We also have the countries most polluted lake more near Liverpool and Syracuse - Onondaga Lake. And to think I used to swim in the salt ponds that bordered that lake!! Hey email me for directions. gdobbins@twcny.rr.com Gene