Atlas HO Code 83 True-Track 22" Radius Manual Left Snap-Switch Turnout – ATL482

Atlas HO Code 83 True-Track 22" Radius Manual Left Snap-Switch Turnout – ATL482 adds a left-hand diverging route to an Atlas True-Track HO scale layout while maintaining 22" radius sectional-track geometry. Designed for manual operation, this Snap-Switch allows the route to be changed by hand and is ideal for adding sidings, industrial spurs, yard tracks, passing tracks and other branching routes.

ATL482 is part of the Atlas HO Code 83 True-Track system, combining precision nickel silver rail with realistic brown ties and integrated gray graveled roadbed. The 22" radius geometry provides a broader diverging route than tighter Snap-Switch designs and makes this turnout particularly useful when building a True-Track layout around 22" radius curves.

22" Radius Manual Left-Hand Snap-Switch

• Scale: HO Scale 1:87
• Track System: Atlas Code 83 True-Track
• Track Type: Snap-Switch Turnout
• Direction: Left-Hand
• Radius: 22"
• Operation: Manual
• Route is changed by hand
• Rail: Code 83 nickel silver
• Ties: Brown
• Integrated gray graveled roadbed
• Correctly angled roadbed shoulders
• Designed for Atlas True-Track sectional-track layouts
• Atlas manufacturer item number 0482
• Fusion Scale Hobbies SKU ATL482

What Does a Left-Hand Snap-Switch Do?

A turnout allows one track to divide into two possible routes. On this left-hand Snap-Switch, the diverging route branches toward the left when viewed from the single-track approach or point end of the turnout.

The movable turnout points determine which route a train follows. One position keeps locomotives and rolling stock on the straight route, while the other directs them onto the left-hand diverging route.

22" Radius Diverging Geometry

The 22" radius is an important part of ATL482's geometry. Unlike the standard True-Track Snap-Switches, this version is specifically designed around a broader 22" radius diverging route, making it a natural choice for layouts using Atlas 22" radius True-Track curves.

Using broader-radius track can provide a more gradual appearance as equipment travels through the diverging route and can be particularly useful when the layout is designed for longer locomotives and rolling stock.

Manual Turnout Operation

ATL482 is a manual Snap-Switch, meaning the turnout is changed by hand at the track rather than electrically from a remote control panel. Manual operation provides a simple and straightforward way to control routes without requiring electrical turnout wiring.

This makes the turnout particularly practical when it is installed within easy reach of the operator, such as along the front of a layout, in a switching area or on a compact True-Track railroad.

Where Can a 22" Radius Left Snap-Switch Be Used?

ATL482 can be used anywhere a left-hand diverging route is required within a compatible True-Track track plan. Common applications include:

• Industrial sidings and spurs
• Passing sidings
• Freight yard tracks
• Storage tracks
• Locomotive and engine facility tracks
• Passenger station tracks
• Staging areas
• Branching routes
• Mainline-to-siding connections
• Layouts using 22" radius True-Track curves

Build Around 22" Radius True-Track

For layouts already using 22" radius Atlas True-Track curved sections, ATL482 provides a turnout designed around the same broader-radius track geometry. This helps modelers create sidings and branching routes while maintaining a more consistent track plan.

Atlas also offers short fractional 22" radius True-Track curve sections that can be used when smaller angular adjustments are necessary elsewhere in the track plan.

Snap-Switch vs. Numbered Turnouts

An Atlas Snap-Switch is designed around sectional-track radius geometry. In the case of ATL482, that geometry is specifically identified as a 22" radius. This differs from numbered turnouts such as #4, #6 and #8, which are defined by frog-number geometry rather than a sectional-track curve radius.

This distinction is important when planning a layout. A 22" radius Snap-Switch is particularly convenient when working with fixed Atlas True-Track sectional geometry, while numbered turnouts are typically selected according to frog angle and the requirements of a more customized track arrangement.

Build Sidings & Passing Tracks

Adding a turnout greatly expands the operating possibilities of a model railroad. ATL482 can branch from the primary route into an industrial spur, storage siding, yard track or other destination.

Combining left- and right-hand 22" radius Snap-Switches can also help create passing sidings and more complex track arrangements, allowing trains to meet, pass, switch cars and access additional areas of the railroad.

Check Your Equipment's Minimum Radius

Although 22" radius geometry is broader than many compact HO sectional-track arrangements, locomotive and rolling stock requirements vary. Always check the equipment manufacturer's recommended minimum radius, particularly when operating long passenger cars, large locomotives or other long-wheelbase equipment.

Atlas HO Code 83 True-Track

Atlas True-Track combines Code 83 nickel silver rail with realistic brown ties and integrated gray graveled roadbed. The roadbed features correctly angled shoulders to provide a realistic track-and-ballast appearance while retaining the convenience of an easy-to-assemble sectional track system.

True-Track can be used for beginner layouts, temporary setups, portable railroads and permanent HO scale model railroads. Straight track, curved track, turnouts and crossings can be combined to build anything from a simple continuous-running railroad to a layout featuring sidings, yards and multiple operating routes.

Removable Code 83 Track

Atlas HO True-Track incorporates Code 83 Snap-Track that can be removed from the molded roadbed and used separately. This provides additional flexibility if the track is later incorporated into a permanent layout using a different roadbed or scenery system.

Atlas HO True-Track 22" Radius Manual Left Snap-Switch Features

• HO Scale 1:87
• 22" radius Snap-Switch geometry
• Left-hand diverging route
• Manual operation
• Turnout is changed by hand
• Provides straight and left-hand diverging routes
• Useful for sidings, yards, spurs and branching routes
• Well suited for layouts using 22" radius True-Track
• Designed for Atlas HO Code 83 True-Track
• Code 83 nickel silver rail
• Brown railroad ties
• Integrated gray graveled roadbed
• Correctly angled roadbed shoulders
• Code 83 Snap-Track can be removed from the roadbed
• Atlas manufacturer item number 0482
• Fusion Scale Hobbies SKU ATL482

Shop Atlas HO True-Track Turnouts & Switches

Browse our Atlas HO True-Track Turnouts & Switches collection for additional manual and remote turnout options for your HO scale layout.

Shop Atlas HO True-Track Curved Track

Pair this turnout with additional Atlas HO True-Track Curved Track for building and adjusting 22" radius routes throughout your track plan.

Build with Atlas HO True-Track

Shop our complete Atlas HO True-Track collection for straight track, curved track, turnouts, crossings and other integrated-roadbed track components.

Explore Atlas HO True-Track Straight Track and Atlas HO True-Track Crossings to continue building and expanding your track plan.

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