More information on turnouts
Hi, a real newbie here who could use some help (maybe). I'm building my first layout and have gotten stuck on wiring turnouts. I have a Digitrax Zephyr Express train controller, using Atlas track and remote controlled switches.
Do I use the output power from the Zephyr? If so, I assume I can just tap into the bus line that I`ve run under the table. Correct?
If not, what am I going to need need to power the turnouts? I think I`m most confused about powering them separately if that is what it takes. Thanks in advance.
blade_buddy;
The other responders have answered your original question well. I'm just adding some more information on turnouts that may help you.
Turnouts, and the wiring for them, can be confusing to some new modelers. The basic operation of turnouts, the "switch machines," that move the two rails called "points", and the wiring that runs the switch machines, are all rather simple, once you know a little bit about them. So don't panic, you will soon know not only how to wire them, but also how to make them work better.
All turnouts are not created equal, and,consequently don't all work equally well. Since you mentioned both the words "Atlas", and "remote", in reference to your turnouts they are Atlas "Snap Switch" turnouts and that means they are pretty low on the quality scale. That doesn't mean you can't use them, but it might mean they may give you some problems that will require you to do some work on them to improve their performance.
This is a very common situation you are in. We probably get more questions about Atlas "Snap Switch"turnouts than we do about most other model railroad products. Atlas turnouts are easily the most commonly bought ones for first layouts. They are a little cheaper than most other brands, and they are cleverly promoted by the manufacturer in those Atlas track plans published both online, and in booklets.
Because this subject comes up so often, and I have found myself making the same explanations many times over, to many newbies, I created some files to do the explaining. They are attached below. The first few are directly related to turnouts, switch machines and how both things work. The rest are on other model railroading subjects, for your possible future reference.
Oh! One thing I didn't put in the files is the potential "crossover problem" when using two Atlas Snap Switch turnouts. They have a unique geometry; with one straight, and one curved, route. All other turnouts, including Atlas's own "Custom Line" turnouts, have two straight routes, (or, in the case of curved turnouts, two curved routes.)
When you arrange two Snap Switch turnouts into a crossover, the two curved route connect to each other and form a "reverse curve." Reverse curves are notorious for causing derailments and experienced modelers try very hard to avoid them.
In the case of your crossovers my advice would be to not use the short pieces of curved track that come with the turnouts, and to do all you can to keep the actual "crossing over" path between the two turnouts as close to a straight line as you possibly can. This may include trimming back the curved routes of both turnouts a little, and inserting a short piece of straight track instead. First try the crossovers without any alteration. If the trains can travel through the crossover, both forward, and with the locomotive pushing a string of cars backward, then you won't need to cut the turnouts at all.
Good Luck, & Have Fun;
Traction Fan :smilie_daumenpos:
View attachment All AboutTurnouts rev 5.pdf
View attachment Improving Atlas turnouts pdf version.pdf
View attachment Introductory letter for $5 switch machine.pdf
View attachment Assembly instructions for $5 switch machine..pdf
View attachment WHERE DO I START rev 4.pdf
View attachment 1 How to build a better first layout.pdf
View attachment 2 How to build a better first layout.pdf
View attachment 3 & 4 How to build a better first layout.pdf
View attachment 5 How to build a better first layout.pdf
View attachment 6 How to build a better first layout.pdf
View attachment MODEL RAILROADING ON A BUDGET.pdf
View attachment Model Railroad Terminology 3.pdf
View attachment A lot about couplers.pdf
View attachment Tips for handling small parts.pdf