[flatire1256]

Hello everyone. I am fixing to buy about 12 turnouts. All of my track is atlas code 83. I have a few atlas turnouts currently. Have you all had good luck with atlas turnouts? With the amount of money im fixing to drop I want to make sure I am getting something that will work ok. I have heard a few bad things about atlas turnouts. The few I have currently, seem to work just fine and the price is right. Just wondering what everyones opinion is on turnouts. Sorry if this has been asked before. I did a quick search on the forum but didn't find exactly what I was looking for.

 

[Southern]

I am replacing all of my atlas turnout. 99% of all my derailments are caused by them. The new one will be Pecos. It will take me some time to make the switch but it is going to be worth it. Don't make the same mistake that I did. Buy the good ones the first time.

 

[mr_x_ite_ment]

I have about 15 Atlas turnouts on my layout, and have used them a lot. They have never given me any real problems. Mine are manual-throw turnouts. Good luck with what you decide.

Chad

 

[tankist]

i had less then excellent experience with atlas code100 turnouts. its been said code83 atlas turnouts are better, but i would skip them as well.
IMHO peco or walthers are better and the extra cost is justified.

with that i demand a lot - 100% trouble free performance. 99.9% will not be good enough.

 

[sstlaure]

I've got about 30 Atlas turnouts (#4 & #6 - maybe a #8 in there somewhere) and I haven't had too many problems. If I do have problems - they seem to be with particular cars or where the track takes an S shape going from one track to another.

 

[tkruger]

If they are in an area that will have larger cars or run at 50% or more throttle I would recommend against the snap switches. I just redid my layout. I still use Atlas #6 switches on my main lines. I purchased them for next to nothing used. In my yard I do use the snap switches due to space and knowing that everything in there is moving at a very slow pace. With this being said I would buy Pecos if I was to get everything new, but in the used market you take what you get. I have been picking up the Atlas ones here and here for $5 or less. With a little tinkering at that price they work well.

 

[willbacker45]

Atlas customline work great on my layout never had any derailments or problems! I actually have some #8 (4 right 3 left) turnouts that I decided were too big for my layout and I am switching to #6s (sticking with Atlas) let me know if you are interested!

 

[lgjc]

Getting back into trains after about 40 years, so pardon a stupid question. Looks like Peco turnouts are highly recommended. While getting started, can we install Peco turnouts and operate them manually and later add a switch motor? (At least turnouts that are easy to get to.)

 

[tankist]

welcome to the forum.
very happy peco user here. you absolutely can install the machine later. just remember that for installation under the track will most probably involve lifting it up to accomplish. so don't build anything to permanent before you install those.

 

[lgjc]

Great. I understand that. Thanks for your help.