Has anybody heard the latest on the release of Atlas switches? Last I heard they were going to be released in September. September is almost gone. Jim
From a quote from Atlas on the AZL forum, it looks like the left and crossover will be available in November and the right in December.
The Cross is now In Stock. The Left and Right Turnouts are not (yet). So, I expect another week or month. Its a start !!!! https://shop.atlasrr.com/p-52286-z-scale-19-degree-crossing.aspx
THEY ARE HERE !!!! (January 1, 2019). I just got a notice that my turnouts and crossings have SHIPPED !!! shop.atlasrr.com/c-1474-z-track.aspx Order from your local hobby shop
Cool. Would be awesome to see what the final product looks like. The frogs will supposedly be blackened, but there are no updated pictures showing the same....
When you get a chance, do you mind posting a quick review? Also, are there any good videos out there explaining how to wire an Atlas turnout? I’m running DC and two sets of turnouts separate blocks. Was waiting for these to come so I could read some reviews before ripping out my problematic MTLs and replacing them with either these or Rokuhans. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I'm still waiting for mine, but there are a few things to be aware of before you rip up your existing turnouts. These are #6 turnouts. Roughly speaking, they're 19 degree turnouts compared to the standard 13 degree in Z. In most cases track around the turnout will have to be reworked. There is no electrical connection to the frog. You'll need to use a switch to change the power on it. I posted a diagram here: http://www.azlforum.com/post/13868 When I get mine I'll be looking into using a miniature toggle as a switch throw as well as providing the power to the frog. Otherwise one will need a switch machine. I'll also be looking into using the new Walthers DC/DCC switch machine with them, as well as the Micron Art ground throw. Mark
Here is the 2813 crossing: (package was SMALL compared to the N scale ones I use at the Niles Depot and Wifie's Ntrak (NOTE: you can use it as an EXACT template for the #6 turnout, as Mark pointed out, has a 19 degree divergent rail that is straight, not curved).
Thanks for posting. I can't wait to get mine. They look nice. I like the blackened frogs. Nice touch. I was beginning to think they didn't exist. Jim
Hi Jeff Thank You for posting the fotos. Does the space between the sleepers fit the MTL-style, or more the Märklin-style?
I don't have the turnouts yet, but the Atlas flex track is the same as the MTL flex in width, length and spacing within a couple of mils. I would assume they made the turnouts the same. Mark
As Mark says, same ties as MTL but brown. However, the rail is fat, matches märklin, Peco and Rokuhan. MTL's rail is more narrow. I am more concerned about the over zealous length of the plastic. There absolutely will be 1 truck without power when in the center and also with the staggering. Switching may be a bit intermittent. I'll get a loco on it tonight.
Ditto. Mine are coming, too. Since I haven't committed to any particular brand I'm not too concerned. I will be paying attention to the discourse. Jeff seems to be right on it. I will listen carefully to his comments and concerns. Z seems to be turning a major corner and this is a milestone for the scale. Jim
Mine are on the way! Since I'm using them to start a new layout, I won't have to worry about matching what was there before. But, it will be good to actually start laying track!
Mine are in the mail. These turnouts and track are great but I'm hoping Atlas will start making locomotives and rolling stock in z-scale, too.
I’m planning on a fairly small figure eight with a spur on the lower level and one on upper level for a janky mine shaft scene. It’ll be an Nn3 version of the Thunder Mesa.....sort of. I already have the geared locos and some rolling stock.