| Author |
 Topic  |
|
atlastrainman
|
 Posted - 02/09/2006 : 16:42:33
|
Dear Atlas O Forum Readers-
At the risk of enflaming this relatively quiet forum topic, I would like to address the issue of Atlas O switches.
Atlas O, as a relatively newcomer to the "brotherhood" of O gauge manufacturers, has produced approximately 100k O gauge switches in the past five years. Our standard "problem rate" in N and HO switches of less than one tenth of one per cent is one which Atlas O is quickly moving towards. The one half of one percent rate that Atlas O currently works within is completely unsatisfactory to me and we are working diligently to fix the last troublesome parts. (Please note: Atlas O switches represent less than 1% of the total volume of Atlas O produced track whose balance is 100% defect free.)
I would like to use this opportunity to quickly point out to you the upgrade paths that Atlas O has taken from the start, briefly mention some recommendations and to provide you with a small glimpse of what we have planned for the Atlas O 21st Century Track System in the future.
You should first know that that Atlas, with more than 55 years experience in track and switch building, is constantly moving forward with both gradual and, at times, revolutionary improvements in all their track lines. The introduction nine years ago of the Atlas O, 3 rail, solid nickel silver track system, is an example of a revolutionary improvement of what was available to consumers both then and now.
In addition, it should be noted that all track companies have technical difficulties that they seek to overcome through one means or another. NO track system can be guarantedd to be 100% trouble free to all consumers. If there is any part of a layout that will cause problems it will in all likelihood be involved with a switch simply because it's the only moveable track part of a layout and/or because of electrical connections/conductivity.
Some noted Atlas O problems relate back to the insufficient rail joiners that arrived with the first shipment of O track back in 1997. Atlas O quickly redeveloped that rail joiner and supplied free replacements that consisted of a heavier stock and redesigned joiner. We found the initial switch machines were not stable enough and so we quickly replaced the press fit method with machine screws. The wire gauge of the switches was not as rugged as it might be so Atlas O has changed this to 16 Ga wire. Jumpers underneath the switches have moved from internal to external placement for ease of maintenance. Concerns about loss of power across the long #7.5 switch have been addressed by including center rail extensions as a running change. Free kits are being sent to consumers who might have this concern with specific motive power.
Of course nothing beats good layout building practices. We suggest that as you install your layout, always check for electrical continuity. Also, a good idea is to add power feeds after your switches.
Without giving too much away, Atlas O is in the final stages of developing some outstanding stand alone products and running improvements on exisiting track products. A few of these include a non-derail circuit board which can be used on anyone's twin coil switch machine. Also planned is a completely redesigned, slow acting switch motor with lighted indicators.
I would like to thank the thousands of satisfied Atlas customers with small, medium and large layouts, (from home layouts to museum masterpieces), that use Atlas track, switches, rolling stock, motive power and other Atlas products, for their loyal support. I promise that we will continue the long history of product improvement and to stand behind all our fine products in all scales.
Sincerely,
Tom Haedrich, Chairman/CEO
Atlas O, LLC
Atlas Model Railroad Co. Inc.
|
Country:
| Posts: 3 |
|
|
DarrenAMiller
|
Posted - 02/09/2006 : 17:07:54
|
Bravo, Tom... on directly responding to this festering topic.
As Atlas, in my experience, is the proverbial "class act," I am confident you will truly deliver on these "campaign promises."
- Darren
|
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 489 |
 |
|
|
prrhorseshoecurve
|
Posted - 02/09/2006 : 18:26:40
|
Thanksw for the imput. I hope that the button controller will have lighted indicators as well as the switch m achines themselves too.
|
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 1178 |
|
|
|
az2rail
|
Posted - 02/09/2006 : 19:22:17
|
I new that. This is why I have been switching to Atlas, be it engines, rolling stock, or track.
|
| "If your parents never had children, chances are you won't either" |
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 410 |
|
|
|
SMSimon
|
Posted - 02/10/2006 : 08:46:29
|
Thanks a lot for the heads up. Do you have a sense of the time course of this change? I still have many of my Atlas switches in their boxes as I'm building the layout.
Will these changes require a trade-in of existing switches, or is it an add-on?
I'm wondering if I should put some of my layout construction on hold, since some of the switches will be on lower levels that might not be easily accessible.
Thanks for any additional info you can offer.
|
| Sandy |
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 10 |
|
|
|
DarrenAMiller
|
Posted - 02/10/2006 : 08:53:26
|
I second the motion on having indicator LED's on the button controllers... something I had suggested several times in the past. I would not necessarily want to see them on the switch machines... perhaps as a modular option.
- Darren
|
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 489 |
|
|
|
PRRJIM
|
Posted - 02/10/2006 : 12:52:32
|
Darren,
I'm with you on the indicator LED's and modular controllers. Someone suggested a console/model board type of device a while ago on the forum. That would be pretty sweet to have as well.
|
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 502 |
|
|
|
CBQer
|
Posted - 02/10/2006 : 19:26:07
|
Darn. I just bought slow motion switch machines for 2 rail. Well, lets see what the new ones look like and maybe the old one will come out, 2 rail or no rail.
|
Charter Memer Golden Spike Club
"Welcome Home" |
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 1000 |
|
|
|
SMSimon
|
Posted - 02/11/2006 : 00:18:21
|
It would be great if the controller:
1) Had LEDs.
2) Could be mounted on a control panel either by surface mounting, or mounted from behind (I'm making a control panel from plexiglass with the layout printed underneath and LEDs indicating where the train is. I'd love to mount the controllers for the switches from behind with just the controlling switch and the LEDs poking up through).
...as long as were wishing..
Sandy
|
| Sandy |
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 10 |
|
|
|
emenso
|
Posted - 02/11/2006 : 22:10:42
|
Is Atlas O Steel being discontinued? I've heard this from two dealers now. I'd just decided to use atlas O over gargraves because of its superior performance with magnatraction engines.
|
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 1 |
|
|
|
DarrenAMiller
|
Posted - 02/13/2006 : 12:54:35
|
Sandy -
When I was hot on upgrading my Atlas switch controllers to something like being discussed here, I became aware of this old-line company. They make controllers and mounting panels. I may have posted this link last year... can't remember.
http://www.acmemodel.com/railroad.htm
- Darren
|
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 489 |
|
|
|
amalie
|
Posted - 02/15/2006 : 10:52:29
|
Mr. Haedrich -
I would also just like to say thanks for your detailed reply. I have a substantial amount of Atlas O track, including over two dozen switches, all for a layout that has been in the making for some time. A good amount of this was used on a temporary set-up I did sometime ago, but my railroading is presently awaitung some additional basement 'right-of-way agreements' with my better half.
I do have a couple of questions based on your letter. Will there be a retrofit/trade-in for my early snap-on type switch machines to give them more stability, as this was the Archilles heel of that design in my mind; is that even possible with the early design? Also, are center rail extentions for the #5 switches available yet or in the near future; I have five that still require some 'rapid movement' to get over on occasion? Finally, does Atlas have any written details on retrofitting the early switches for heavier feed wire/better performance?
I have been impressed with how the line has evolved since it was introduced, and am hoping that Atlas will be able to eventually market a double crossover on the 9" centerline and a wider radius curved switch (90"/72") that can allow big-wheelbase engines to run through both ends( though the design of this curve-switch third rail problem could be very challenging). I realize that such specialized items would have to have a substantial price tag and a limited audience , but would be welcomed by those of us who have already made major investments in our trackwork.
Again, thanks for your letter, and I look forward to the advances that Atlas will continue to bring to the semi-scale hi-rail hobby. - Geoff Stunkard, Johnson City TN
|
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 16 |
|
|
|
SMSimon
|
Posted - 02/15/2006 : 13:31:24
|
Darren,
Thanks for the link. Do this switches provide just the "transient" contact required by the Atlas switches (I don't want to burn them out).
Does anyone yet know the time course for the Atlas replacements -- I've just put the construction of my layout on hold because I'm about to put up the second level, which would make replacements on the first level (with MANY Atlas switches) more difficult.
Would the Atlas upgrades include a new controller for the switch?
Regards,
Sandy
|
| Sandy |
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 10 |
|
|
|
DarrenAMiller
|
Posted - 02/15/2006 : 15:19:43
|
Sandy -
Yes... the Acme controllers are "momentary SPDT." I confirmed directly with Acme they would work fine with Atlas switches. They even had wiring diagrams illustrating use with Atlas switches.
Acme has two models... the one that I was interested in would fire momentary voltage to the switch coil, but have permanent power to the bulbs thus indicating the switched position of the turnout. They were not inexpensive as they were made from phosphor brass and all that. Again, this is why I think it would be so relatively inexpensive for Atlas to build them this way from the get-go (with LED's, not bulbs).
I'll look in my archives for any info I have on this subject and e-mail directly to you if I find anything.
Hope this helps.
- Darren
|
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 489 |
|
|
|
Tworails
|
Posted - 03/01/2006 : 00:00:00
|
Will there be any additional track pieces in the near future for the two rail market? Perhaps a curved turnout, to help with layouts in small spaces?
|
|
Country:
| Posts: 12 |
|
|
|
Marshall McIntyre
|
Posted - 07/17/2006 : 19:40:37
|
I have been buying switches for the full nine years. How do I tell which ones have been upgraded? Some have UV inhibitor stickers but old ones do not.
|
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 1 |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Atlas Model Home
Forums
Events Calendar
Rules
FAQ
Register
Topic Locked |
