I'm starting to build a Ho scale layout and I'm slowly picking up new items and I bought some code 83 atlas track but I'm not sure what manufacturer of turnouts I should get? I heard the Walthers are pretty good but I've had some trouble getting some. I know atlas has a "custom line" and a "Super Switch", but not know sure about the quality. Also what about Shinohara, Peco, and Micro Engineering?
Don't have any turnouts on my layouts, but I use Peco switches in N and HO. They are strong, well made and do not need to be powered unless they are out of reach. Hand throws or powered machines can be added later. I especially like Insulfrog types and I am adding Tortoise machines to certain areas.
The last switches I bought were Atlas Snap-Switches ... back in the 70s! But to save some money, I bought some stock rail, ties and started to make my own and found it fun, and easy.
They are all pretty good. As a rule, the more you spend, the better they are. For example Peco code 83 are nearly double what you pay for Atlas, so if money is no object, I'd go for those. If you are budget minded, Atlas work well. I have Atlas, Walthers, Shinohara and Peco on my layout. I generally buy the less expensive turnouts for the standard #6 type, and buy from Walthers or Shinohara for special turnouts like curved #8 or 3-way etc.
I find Atlas switches (code 83) have several issues: the straight rail is not straight and the frogs are sloppy and one gets wheel drop as wheels pass through them which makes cars drop and jerk in a very unprototypical way. Two years ago I did a test by buying #6 turnouts from Walthers, Peco (83) and Atlas (83) and running all types of cars and engines through them. My conclusion was that, barring building one's own turnouts (and I've done that), the best performing (no frog lurch/wheel drop) and looking turnouts were Peco dode 83. Peco are expensive but there are lots of reputable online retailers (and some on ebay) who discount them. The real drag in a layout, especially scenicked, is having to replace a turnout because it's failed or its tolerances make you crazy.
Been through the need to replace, so no matter what scale I have modeled, one thing I do is never solder in a switch.
I agree, soldering a turnout is asking for more work because if anything in your track system will fail that is not a soldered feeder or a joiner, it will be a turnout. They can have clean/new joiners slid onto their ends, and then be lightly ballasted to keep them stable and in place. If one needs replacing, simply dampen the ballast, slide back the joiners, and lift out the appliance. Replace. I use Peco Steamline Insulfrog Code 83 # 6 turnouts exclusively if I don't make my own. They are excellent, and I think good value, despite their substantial upfront cost, because they are reliable and have decent tolerances. None of my 26 locomotives of various kinds and makes has trouble though them. Spend 20 minutes after the kids/grandkids are in bed and look for bargains on the internet. If your time is tight, look no further than woo woo woo ¤¤¤¤¤'s (¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤.com)
I noticed the straight issue and wheel drop on my Atlas #6 code 100, although with a little tuning they did operate reliably. And the non-straightness can be largely be corrected as you spike the turnouts down. That said, you do get what you pay for. If everyone had plenty of money and could be choosy, few would buy Atlas turnouts probably, but for many of us on tight budgets, we can make the Atlas code 83 turnouts work for us. Even Rob Spangler, with his beautiful WP layout has a number of Atlas code 83 in some yards and seems to be pretty happy with them - painted and ballasted they blend in well. AFAIK, he is satisfied with their operation and judging by his layout, he has fairly high standards. Given plenty of money, which I don't have right now with a daughter in college and a 2nd dependent, I can't really afford to replace my current batch of Atlas code 83 with the nearly double cost Peco - maybe some day. Checking woo woo woo K-1-e-i-n's, the Peco code 83 #6 is $26.59 vs. Atlas code 83 #6 $13.99. Peco code 83 #8 is $30.69. I just bought an Atlas code 83 #8 at woo woo woo for $13.99 - that's less than half the price. If you need to do an entire yard, that's going to be a big difference. For those who can afford a Lexus, great. Some of us can only afford a Toyota or Ford.
I may as well add to what the others have already stated. I use Atlas, Micro Engineering, PECO, Walthers - Shinohara on my layout, in both code 70 and code 83, They all have issues, all of which are easily fixed with a little fine tuning. To me, the cost factor doesn't really enter in to it, because some of the switches I need are made only by one manufacturer. All are subject to availability. On the next layout, I might even try to build a couple on my own, which should be an interesting experience.
Shinohara and Peco switches have worked very well for me. Have not tried the Micro Engineering, but they sure look nice.
I started my layout handlaying code 70 track and turnouts, but ended up completing it with Shinohara flex track and turnouts, mainly because they were the only manufacturer oc code 70 at the time. Micro Engineering has since come on the market. They also make code 83 track and turnouts. I have had extremely good luck with the Shinohara products and would recommend them to anyone.
I'm a hand layer myself, PC board ties, paper templates and code 83 ME rail. If you can model boxcars and locos you can easily make your own.
