I have now installed four new Atlas under-table switch machines, one Atlas
trackside switch machine, and a new motor for my Atlas turn table. I have
also been collecting the various parts and components for the control panel
that I am designing. I still need four Atlas snap-relays as well as the dual
cab MRC controller I’ve had my eye on. I will have more details on this when
I get a more finalized plan on its design.
The under-table switch machines installed pretty easily, with only a few
adjustments needed. The hardest part was keeping them positioned while
screwing them in. A partner definitely helps with this step. One issue that
did need some attention was the ease of movement of the turnout itself. The
switch machine motors themselves are pretty powerful, especially with a 16V
AC burst of power. However, the issue comes from the very small distance of
the switch machine's movement as well as the slight flexibility of the
plastic pin that attaches to the track switch point.
The switch machine's movement is just barely longer than the distance of
the turnout point itself. This means that there is very little room for
error when installing the switch machine as it needs to be installed
perfectly centered with the turnout. Also, because the small pin that moves
the switch point has a bit of flex, ANY resistance in the track switch point
will prevent it from fully engaging. Because of this, I ended up having to
remove the roadbed under the sliding bar of the turnout to ensure there was
no resistance. After a few adjustments, the track turnout moved much more
easily and everything worked fine.
As for the wiring, each switch machine will be on an independent Atlas
switch controller; green wire being for the main line and yellow being for
the turnout. All are grounded by a common wire which is the center brown
wire. Switches 2 and 3, which branches from the main line to the front spur,
are on a common switch and operate in unison as they will always need to be
switched together when crossing off of or onto the main line.
Unfortunately, I was not able to install an under-table switch machine to
the turnout to my turn table. Because of this, I had to use a trackside
switch machine. I wired it just as I did with the under table switch
machines and attached it to the same brown common lead. I will have to find
some way to hide this machine in the future. I have also attached my new
turn table motor. It works great, but is a little loud. Hopefully this will
be quieted slightly when the cover is attached. With that, there is where I
am this rainy Wednesday evening.
