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Turnout Switching Compatibility
Ed who models N scale asks readers this question:
“I know I can connect my Atlas code 80 track to my Kato Unitrack. I’m running my mainline with Kato and going to Atlas for an inner loop and yard. My question is in regards to turnouts. If I have a Kato turnout connected to an Atlas turnout, Can I somehow connect both to a single Kato (or Atlas) switch so that a single switch will control both turnouts?”
5 Responses to Turnout Switching Compatibility
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Yes you can – just connect the black wires together – and then the green to a red and vise versa – or if they both switch to the same direction join the same colours together
Shaun,
What you said made perfect sense…
Until I got back home and looked at my progressing layout.
What I found is that the Kato switch mechanisms have a black and a red wire from the turnout to the switch control.The Atlas switches however have 3 wires. A black, red & green.
I’m sure I’m overlooking something obvious, but I guess I need someone to point it out to me?
Hello
re. Turn outs ” Kato /Atlas”
The problem is that Kato will needs a reverse action switch, while
Atlas is a solenoid action and must only be powered for short moments ! !
I think this a problem here, not 100% sure
James
Short answer…….NO! When throwing two turnouts at the same time, use the same brand.
You need to not use Atlas turnouts, they do not snap and lock into position and will cause derailments due to points not staying in place against the rails. Lots of experience and expense lead me to this conclusion.