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Kato Power Pack / Atlas Turnouts
Ed models in N scale and asks:
“I’ve got a Kato unitack layout set up and I would like to add a yard using Atlas track. Does anyone have any ideas on how to operate the Atlas 3-wire turnouts using a Kato DC Power Pack? Is there an accessory that fits to the side of the power pack much like the Kato turnout controllers that would allow me to operate the Atlas controls? Suggestions please?”
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
The three contacts on Atlas switch machines can and should be used with DC. The center contact is the negative (or ground), while momentarily applying positive to either of the other two contacts will throw the switch in it’s direction. Wire your negative leads to the center terminal, and then you’ll need to use SPST temporary electronic switches to apply the positive power. You COULD use Atlas’s switch controller – they’ll handle that for you.