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Post by zscalehobo on Jan 14, 2019 13:46:32 GMT -5
Great point on the joiners. In the numerous packs I received, no 2 joiners are in the same location! The turnouts LOOK great!
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Post by markm on Jan 14, 2019 14:48:00 GMT -5
In all my packs the joiners were loose under and around the turnouts. There's 3-4 joiners per pack. And speaking of joiners, something RobA pointed out to me over the weekend, the supplied joiners are shorter than the standard Atlas code 55:
If the shorter ones are required all round, then we're going to need more short joiners than provided and I don't see anything other than the standard 2535 on Atlas site.
So I've started to build a test bench:
I'll be able to exercise various pieces of rolling stock, although I don't have anything Big Boy sized. It will also give me a chance to try out various switch machines and methods for controlling the frog power.
I should ask at this point: do you (or anyone else) familiar with a DC version of a frog juicer?
So far I'm pleased with the units. Found a couple of warts but nothing serious.
Mark
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Post by texrail on Jan 14, 2019 17:07:05 GMT -5
Mark, I´m very interested in any recommendations concerning switch machines for the Atlas turnouts, too! Please share your results with us! Best regards, Ingo
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Post by markm on Jan 14, 2019 20:05:57 GMT -5
Ingo, I'm working first with the new Walthers DC/DCC switch machine, then the Tortoise, then any suggestions. For a layout such as the left side of my test bench, I think it will be a challenge to fit all the switch machines in, they have about a 2x2 inch footprint. I may look into using the MTL unit.
Mark
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Post by domi on Jan 25, 2019 2:56:08 GMT -5
I should ask at this point: do you (or anyone else) familiar with a DC version of a frog juicer? Mark Mark, what do you mean exactly ? The mean to bring power to electrofrogs and to reverse polarity depending on point direction ? Dom
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Post by markm on Jan 25, 2019 13:12:55 GMT -5
What I was thinking of is a circuit that can sense the frog polarity mismatch and correct it. Have never had a need to think about it with Z scale turnouts until now.
Mark
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Post by BAZman on Jan 25, 2019 17:29:07 GMT -5
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Post by markm on Jan 25, 2019 18:28:49 GMT -5
A couple more switch machines to look into.
What I'm looking for is a means of switching frog power when using a manual throw. I'm playing with the Micron Art unit and if no electronics exist, which seems the case, I'll look into extending the shaft to control an under layout switch.
Mark
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Post by domi on Jan 26, 2019 8:27:44 GMT -5
What I was thinking of is a circuit that can sense the frog polarity mismatch and correct it. Have never had a need to think about it with Z scale turnouts until now. Mark Ok. I see that electrics buffs already give you some hints I was just unaware of, myself I’m using A-zero-B switches I manually flip while turning points on my turnouts... Dom
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Post by markm on Jan 26, 2019 9:11:26 GMT -5
Dom, For the layout I'm working on (posted earlier) I have two spurs that were seldom used in prototype and I intend to use only for staging rolling stock. So I've been thinking about using manual ground throws: While I appreciate your input, I would like to be able to do a single electromechanical solution. Since there doesn't seem to be an existing electronic solution, I'm looking at adding contacts under the ground throw. Failing that, mounting a miniature toggle switch with a linking bar to the turnout. I am a bit concerned about my plans as while I was writing this I found that the Micron Art site has disappeared, I hope only temporarily. Mark
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Post by dazed on Jan 26, 2019 12:02:04 GMT -5
If you want manual control and contacts for power routing, here is one option... www.modeltrainstuff.com/new-rail-models-ho-n-40018-blue-point-manual-turnout-controllerI imagine it would work with the Atlas turnouts, but I would definitely confirm that yourselves before ordering a pallet of them. It uses fascia mounted R/C pushrods for control as the standard config, but you might be able to incorporate some lever adjacent the turnout to facilitate the throw...it is also possible that the Atlas sprung throwbar could be the action, and simply use the bluepoint for the contacts. Personally I never liked the Bluepoints (and Tortoises, for that matter) because of the need for large vertical space. (thank you Walthers for the horizontal mount machines!!!) But just thought I'd throw them out there as one possibility.
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Post by strummer on Feb 26, 2019 10:44:30 GMT -5
In all my packs the joiners were loose under and around the turnouts. There's 3-4 joiners per pack. And speaking of joiners, something RobA pointed out to me over the weekend, the supplied joiners are shorter than the standard Atlas code 55:
If the shorter ones are required all round, then we're going to need more short joiners than provided and I don't see anything other than the standard 2535 on Atlas site.
Mark
Mark Have you tried to use "standard size" joiners on this and if so, did they fit ok? I ask because I have a bunch of the regular size joiners, so if they indeed do fit, I won't sweat it...thanks! Mark (this one) in Oregon
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Post by BAZman on Feb 27, 2019 0:19:53 GMT -5
I mounted 3 onto a new 3x4 Z-Bend Track module (previous post topic). I ran AZL, MTL and my märklin 2 axle through them. One had excess plastic at the insulation joint of the frog to points. Simple clean up. All ran through fine, even pressing the wheels to each side in an attempt to pick the frog. All good. Then we get to the show and try to run locos. 1 turnout just kept derailing. Sliding the unpowered loco trucks through, doesn't seem to like that same insulation joint. With the Optivisor and flashlight, I can't figure out what it is. I grab another loco and the same but not as bad (but the same model loco). So I grab another model loco and the same. Again, all the rolling stock run flawless.
So, I'll be looking into this in a week (3 more weeks to next show).
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Post by markm on Feb 28, 2019 12:03:19 GMT -5
Jeff, I've always found it to be a good thing to have many eyes on a problem. Could you suggest any locomotive models I could look at to analyze the issue your seeing? BTW: with all the BAZboys leaving the Bay Area, perhaps BAZ should stand for: Backwoods Area Z?
Update: recent Sierra weather has somewhat limited my activities to keeping dry and warm, so I'm just getting back to playing with my trains.
Mark
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Post by BAZman on Feb 28, 2019 15:57:46 GMT -5
I need to run some MTL and märklins through. Compare to the multi-generation AZL.*maybe* this weekend. I can clear each axle bump up when entering the frog (from the points) but we didn't have enough light. With the module free-standing, its easier to get down to the track level an inline with some good side and back lighting.
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