Keystone Details now offers a magnetic turnout throw for Atlas Custom line

[Lemosteam]

Keystone Details is now offering a snap on magnetic turnout actuator specifically for Atlas Custom Line Code 80 manual turnouts. The kit includes enough parts to up-fit four turnouts, and includes eight snap on PRR style pneumatic switch machines (4 LH, 4RH) to act as grips to move the points. These can be left off and actuated by simply moving the points if they .

A small pocket 19mm across rails x 12mm along rails and 8mm deep under the throw bar is all that is required.

In case you might be wondering, the magnets are far enough below the turnout to prevent attracting coupler trip pins or steel wheels.

Magnets are not included. See the Keystone Details listings for links to the 0.125” diameter X 0,625” thick magnets and installation instructions.

They can be purchased here.

I will be investigating a simillar adaptation for Code 55 turnouts that do not require frog powering.



Here is a video of the switch being actuated:

[davefoxx]

Wow, very impressive!  Atlas should step up and purchase this product and the planned Code 55 throw from you for mass-production.  If I was still in N scale, I would redo every turnout on my layout.

Kudzos,
DFF

[rodsup9000]

WOW John, I like it. Really creative idea

[wcfn100]

Nice implementation.  Micro-trains Z scale turnouts also use magnets.

Jason

[muktown128]

John,

Very slick!  I look forward to seeing the Code 55 version.

Scott

[dem34]

Keystone Details is now offering a snap on magnetic turnout actuator specifically for Atlas Custom Line Code 80 manual turnouts. The kit includes enough parts to upfit four turnouts, and includes eight snap on PRR style pneumatic swithch machines (4 LH, 4RH) to act as grips to move the points. These can be left off and actuated by simply moving the points if they .

A small pocket under the throw bar is all that is required.

In case you might be wondering, the magnets are far enough below the turnout to prevent attracting coupler trip pins or steel wheels.

Magnets are not included. See the Keystone Details listings for links to the 0.125” diameter X 0,625” thick magnets and installation instructions.

They can be purchased here.

I will be investigating a simillar adaptation for Code 55 turnouts that do not require frog powering.

Here is a video of the switch being actuated:

Would probably use a few of those if I do another project with code 80. That said, on the front of frog powering, would it be possible to add a notch to the motor casting that would accept a Miniatronics or equivalent microswitch slider? Or would that compromise the integrity of the 3d printed part? and or be too difficult for most people to accurately mount?

[learmoia]

Do magnets conduct electricity?..

Attach one rail to 1 magnet, attach the other rail to the other magnet..attach the frog to the center actuator..?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Just frog juice it.

[RBrodzinsky]

Very nice!

[Philip H]

Eager for the code 55 version

[bman]

Eager for the code 55 version

Having decided to move my focus from east of Columbus to west of Columbus in the design stage and needing more code 55 turnouts I am as well.

[Lemosteam]

Do magnets conduct electricity?..

Attach one rail to 1 magnet, attach the other rail to the other magnet..attach the frog to the center actuator..?

Note that in this design, the magnets ever touch.

Yes, they are nickel plated, but you cannot solder to them or the magnetic properties will ruin.

I tried this once with a design on the guides outside the switch, and it was not robust enough unfortunately.

The design snapped the magnet in plaxpce against a PB wire that you the soldered flex wire to.

So in this case each outer magnet would have to carry the reds and black, and a green would go from the center two magnets to the frog..

Snce FUD can print very fine holes like 0.010”, I may be able to pull this off under the switch.  Of course it would require clearance under the switch for the wires.

On the C55 side, I’m hoping there will be enough room between the throw bar and the guide ties, so fingers crossed.

[learmoia]

My other idea was to design it to accept a micro switch instead of magnets.. but the frog juicer idea is a good idea.

[peteski]

My other idea was to design it to accept a micro switch instead of magnets.. but the frog juicer idea is a good idea.

But without magnets, what would keep the points pressed against the stock rail?
Since Atlas switches do not have throwbar spring, the magnets are used to generate the force needed for keeping the points against the stock rail.

[wazzou]

But without magnets, what would keep the points pressed against the stock rail?
Since Atlas switches do not have throwbar spring, the magnets are used to generate the force needed for keeping the points against the stock rail.

Well, in theory, the micro switch would keep the points against the rail, in concert with piano wire or something similar.