Atlas HO Code 100 18" Radius Manual Snap-Switch – Right – ATL861

Atlas HO Code 100 18" Radius Manual Snap-Switch – Right – ATL861 is a right-hand HO scale sectional track switch designed for adding passing sidings, industrial spurs, yard tracks and other branching routes to Atlas Code 100 layouts. Featuring 18" radius Snap-Switch geometry, nickel silver rail, black ties and manual turnout operation, ATL861 is an easy-to-use switching component for traditional sectional-track layouts.

Unlike Atlas Customline #4, #6 or #8 turnouts, the Snap-Switch is designed around Atlas sectional-track geometry. It includes a 1/3 18" radius curved track section that completes the curved leg to the equivalent geometry of a standard Atlas 18" radius curved track section.

What Is an Atlas Snap-Switch?

An Atlas Snap-Switch is a sectional-track switch designed to integrate easily with Atlas HO Code 100 Snap-Track. Rather than using numbered frog geometry like a #4, #6 or #8 Customline turnout, the Snap-Switch uses 18" radius curved-track geometry for its diverging route.

This makes it especially convenient for traditional sectional-track layouts, starter layouts and compact HO railroads built around Atlas 18" radius curves and standard straight track sections.

Right-Hand Snap-Switch

ATL861 is a right-hand Snap-Switch. When approaching from the single-track or point end, one route continues generally forward while the diverging route curves toward the right.

This makes ATL861 the right-hand counterpart to the ATL860 left-hand Manual Snap-Switch and allows model railroaders to create sidings, spurs and other branching routes in either direction.

18" Radius Sectional Track Geometry

The curved route of ATL861 is based around 18" radius geometry. An included 1/3 18" radius curved track section completes the curved leg so it matches the geometry of a standard Atlas 18" radius curved track section.

This predictable geometry makes the Snap-Switch particularly useful when building from an Atlas sectional-track plan because it can be incorporated with standard straight and 18" radius curved track pieces without requiring custom-cut track for many common arrangements.

Manual Snap-Switch Operation

ATL861 is the manual version of the Atlas right-hand Code 100 Snap-Switch, making it a straightforward choice for turnouts located within easy reach of the operator.

Atlas also specifies that this Snap-Switch is designed for use with above- or under-table switch machines, providing options for modelers who later want to incorporate powered turnout control.

Plastic Frog

The Atlas Manual Snap-Switch uses a plastic frog that cannot be electrically powered. This differs from Atlas Customline turnouts equipped with metal frogs that can be powered when desired.

Because the frog is insulated, modelers operating locomotives with particularly short wheelbases or limited electrical pickup should keep the frog section in mind when planning their trackwork and operations.

Atlas HO Code 100 Right Manual Snap-Switch Features

• HO Scale sectional track switch
• Right-hand configuration
• 18" radius Snap-Switch geometry
• Manual turnout configuration
• Designed for above- or under-table switch machine installation
• Includes a 1/3 18" radius curved track section
• Included section completes the curved leg to standard 18" radius geometry
• Plastic frog
• Frog cannot be electrically powered
• Cut-outs provided for rail joiners
• Solid nickel silver rail
• Black injection-molded plastic ties
• Code 100 rail profile
• Designed for Atlas HO Code 100 sectional track layouts
• Atlas manufacturer item number 0861
• Fusion Scale Hobbies SKU ATL861

Add a Passing Track or Siding

Atlas designed Snap-Switch geometry to make common sectional-track arrangements easy to construct. A Snap-Switch can replace a standard 9" straight track section when adding a passing track or siding.

Combining left- and right-hand Snap-Switches makes it easy to create passing sidings, parallel tracks, industrial spurs and other useful operating arrangements while maintaining predictable Atlas sectional-track geometry.

Using a Snap-Switch in an 18" Radius Curve

ATL861 can also be incorporated into an 18" radius curved track arrangement. When replacing a standard 18" radius curved section with an Atlas Snap-Switch, Atlas specifies adding a 1-1/2" straight track section to the opposite side to maintain the intended track geometry.

This compatibility with common Atlas sectional-track pieces makes the Snap-Switch especially useful for compact layouts and traditional HO track plans built around fixed-radius curves.

Manual vs. Remote Snap-Switch

The Manual Snap-Switch is a practical choice for accessible locations where the turnout can be operated directly at the track. Atlas also offers Remote Snap-Switches for modelers who want electrically operated switches controlled from a layout control panel.

Choosing between manual and remote operation generally depends on the turnout's location, layout size and the modeler's preferred method of controlling train movements.

Snap-Switch vs. Customline Turnout

An Atlas Snap-Switch is not the same as a numbered Customline turnout. Snap-Switches use sectional-track and 18" radius geometry, while Atlas Customline #4, #6 and #8 turnouts use numbered frog geometry.

If you are following an existing Atlas track plan, use the specific type of switch called for in the plan rather than assuming a Snap-Switch and a numbered Customline turnout can be substituted for one another.

Consider Your Equipment's Minimum Radius

Because the diverging route uses 18" radius geometry, check the minimum-radius recommendations for your locomotives and rolling stock. Many HO scale models can negotiate 18" radius track, while longer locomotives, passenger cars and other large equipment may require or perform better on broader curves and turnout geometry.

Build with Atlas HO Code 100 Turnouts

Browse our complete Atlas HO Code 100 Turnouts & Switches collection for manual and remote Snap-Switches, Customline turnouts, curved turnouts and additional switching options.

Combine ATL861 with products from our Atlas HO Code 100 Track collection to build or expand a complete HO scale track system.

Complete Your Snap-Track Layout

Pair this switch with Atlas HO Code 100 Straight Track and Atlas HO Code 100 Curved Track to build sidings, spurs, passing tracks and complete sectional-track arrangements.

For custom track alignment beyond fixed sectional pieces, browse Atlas HO Code 100 Flex Track.

HO Scale Track Accessories

Browse Atlas HO Switch Machines for turnout-control components, or shop Atlas HO Track Accessories for rail joiners, terminal connections, track nails and other installation supplies.

Atlas Code 100 track can also be installed over Atlas HO Cork Roadbed to provide a raised track profile and foundation for ballast and finished scenery.

Shop HO Scale Model Railroad Track

Explore our complete Atlas HO Scale Track selection or browse Model Railroad Track for additional track systems, turnouts and layout-building components.

Shop additional products from Atlas Model Railroad and browse Atlas In-Stock Products.