{"product_id":"atl285","title":"Atlas HO Code 100 #8 Mark IV Turnout – Left – ATL285","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Code 100 #8 Mark IV Turnout – Left – ATL285\u003c\/strong\u003e is a broad-geometry left-hand turnout designed for HO scale model railroaders building realistic mainlines, passing sidings, crossovers and other track arrangements where smoother routing through a switch is desired. This \u003cstrong\u003e#8 turnout\u003c\/strong\u003e provides considerably broader geometry than lower-number turnouts, making it particularly useful for mainline trackwork and layouts operating longer locomotives and rolling stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for the Atlas HO Code 100 track system, the turnout features \u003cstrong\u003esolid nickel silver Code 100 rail with black injection-molded plastic ties\u003c\/strong\u003e and connects with compatible Atlas Code 100 track.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Does #8 Turnout Mean?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e#8 designation describes the turnout's frog geometry\u003c\/strong\u003e. In simplified terms, a #8 frog spreads approximately one unit sideways for every eight units traveled forward through the frog area. A higher turnout number therefore creates a shallower divergence and generally requires more length than a lower-number turnout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis broad geometry is why #8 turnouts are especially useful for \u003cstrong\u003emainline switches, passing sidings and crossovers\u003c\/strong\u003e. Equipment follows a more gradual route through the diverging track than it would through a tighter #4 or #6 turnout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLeft-Hand Turnout\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eATL285 is a \u003cstrong\u003eleft-hand turnout\u003c\/strong\u003e. When approaching the turnout from the single-track or point end, the straight route continues forward while the diverging route branches toward the left.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe left-hand designation describes the direction of the diverging route and is important when planning yards, sidings, crossovers and junctions. Right-hand turnouts are used when the desired diverging route needs to branch in the opposite direction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose a #8 Turnout?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA #8 turnout takes more layout space than a tighter turnout, but its broader geometry can provide several advantages where space permits. The more gradual diverging route creates a smoother-looking transition and is particularly appropriate for areas intended to represent higher-speed or heavily traveled railroad track.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e#8 turnouts can be especially useful when operating \u003cstrong\u003elong passenger cars, modern freight cars and larger locomotives\u003c\/strong\u003e. Equipment requirements vary, however, so turnout selection should always be considered alongside the minimum-radius and trackwork recommendations for the models being operated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon Uses for a #8 Left Turnout\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMainline switches and junctions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePassing sidings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMainline crossovers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDouble-track railroad arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArrival and departure tracks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBroad industrial leads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePassenger terminal approaches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocations operating longer locomotives and rolling stock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAtlas HO Code 100 #8 Mark IV Left Turnout Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHO Scale model railroad turnout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e#8 turnout geometry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeft-hand configuration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMark IV design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBroad diverging geometry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for mainline, siding and crossover applications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCode 100 rail profile\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolid nickel silver rail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack injection-molded plastic ties\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned for Atlas HO Code 100 track systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnects with compatible Atlas HO Code 100 track\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAtlas manufacturer item number 0285\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFusion Scale Hobbies SKU ATL285\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e#8 vs. Tighter HO Scale Turnouts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe appropriate turnout number depends on available layout space and the type of railroad being modeled. Lower-number turnouts change direction more quickly and can be useful where space is limited, such as compact yards and industrial switching areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e#8 turnout provides a considerably more gradual diverging route\u003c\/strong\u003e. Where sufficient space is available, this makes it an excellent choice for visible mainline trackwork, broad crossovers and other locations where smoother geometry is a priority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eManual or Powered Operation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe turnout points must be positioned to select either the straight or diverging route. Depending on your layout design and operating preferences, Atlas turnouts can be incorporated into trackwork using an appropriate manual or powered turnout-control arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-switch-machines\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Switch Machines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e collection for compatible turnout-control components and additional options for operating Atlas HO track switches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBuild with Atlas HO Code 100 Turnouts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-code-100-turnouts-switches\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Code 100 Turnouts \u0026amp; Switches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e collection for additional turnout sizes and configurations for mainlines, yards, sidings and industrial trackwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCombine this turnout with products from our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-code-100-track\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Code 100 Track\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e collection to build a complete HO scale track system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eComplete Your Trackwork\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-code-100-straight-track\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Code 100 Straight Track\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-code-100-flex-track\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Code 100 Flex Track\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e to continue the routes beyond the turnout, or browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-code-100-crossings\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Code 100 Crossings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e for track plans where two independent routes intersect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor rail joiners, terminal connections, track nails and other installation components, browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-track-accessories\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Track Accessories\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAtlas Code 100 track can also be installed over \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-cork-roadbed\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Cork Roadbed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e to provide a raised track profile and foundation for ballast and finished scenery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShop HO Scale Model Railroad Track\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore our complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-scale-track\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Scale Track\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e selection or browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/model-railroad-track\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel Railroad Track\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e for additional track systems, turnouts and layout-building components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShop additional products from \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-model-railroad\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas Model Railroad\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-in-stock-products\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas In-Stock Products\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Atlas","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43926807838976,"sku":"ATL285","price":27.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0613\/6453\/5552\/products\/ATL285_FSH.jpg?v=1789104321","url":"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/products\/atl285","provider":"Fusion Scale Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}