Atlas HO Code 83 12.5° Crossing – Nickel Silver – ATL571

Atlas HO Code 83 12.5° Crossing – Nickel Silver – ATL571 is a fixed track crossing designed to allow two independent HO scale track routes to intersect at a shallow 12.5° angle. Unlike a turnout or switch, the crossing does not direct trains between routes—the tracks intersect while trains continue straight through along their respective paths.

Part of the Atlas HO Code 83 track system, this crossing combines useful shallow-angle geometry with a more prototypical track appearance. Atlas Code 83 track features fine brown ties and nickel silver rail, providing realistic proportions for HO scale layouts.

What Is a 12.5° Track Crossing?

A track crossing, often called a diamond crossing, allows two separate railroad tracks to physically cross one another while remaining independent routes. ATL571 creates this intersection at a relatively shallow 12.5-degree angle.

A locomotive entering the crossing on one route continues straight across the intersecting track. There are no movable points and no option for the train to change from one route to the other.

Shallow 12.5° Crossing Geometry

The defining feature of ATL571 is its shallow 12.5° crossing angle. Compared with steeper 30°, 45° or 90° crossings, the two routes intersect at a much more gradual angle.

This type of geometry is useful when designing junctions, intersecting mainlines and other complex track arrangements where the routes approach one another at a relatively shallow angle.

Crossing vs. Turnout

ATL571 is a fixed crossing, not a turnout or track switch. A turnout contains movable points that allow a train to select between routes. A crossing simply provides the fixed rail geometry necessary for two independent routes to intersect.

Trains therefore continue along the same route through the crossing rather than being diverted onto the intersecting track.

Atlas HO Code 83 Track

Atlas HO Code 83 track is designed to provide reliable operation while offering a finer and more prototypical appearance. Atlas uses realistic brown ties and nickel silver rail throughout its Code 83 track system.

Code 83 refers to a rail profile approximately 0.083" high, giving HO scale track a finer appearance than traditional Code 100 rail.

Atlas HO Code 83 12.5° Crossing Features

• HO Scale fixed track crossing
• 12.5° crossing angle
• Shallow-angle track intersection
• Allows two independent track routes to cross
• Trains continue straight through along their respective routes
• No movable turnout points
• Code 83 nickel silver rail
• Fine, realistic brown ties
• Finer rail profile than traditional Code 100 track
• Useful for junctions and complex intersecting track arrangements
• Atlas manufacturer item number M0571
• Fusion Scale Hobbies SKU ATL571

Where Can a 12.5° Crossing Be Used?

The shallow crossing angle makes ATL571 particularly useful when two tracks need to intersect while continuing in relatively similar directions. It can be incorporated into railroad junctions, intersecting mainlines and specialized track arrangements where a steeper crossing would not match the required geometry.

Because the crossing angle is fixed, surrounding straight, curved and turnout track should be planned around the 12.5° intersection to maintain proper alignment.

Plan & Test Your Crossing

Before permanently securing and ballasting ATL571, connect the surrounding track and carefully check alignment at all four approaches. Run locomotives and rolling stock through both independent routes to verify smooth operation through the crossing.

Testing the complete track arrangement before permanent installation makes it much easier to correct adjoining track alignment or geometry if adjustments are necessary.

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