Atlas HO Code 100 #8 Mark IV Turnout – Right – ATL286

Atlas HO Code 100 #8 Mark IV Turnout – Right – ATL286 is a broad-geometry right-hand turnout designed for HO scale model railroaders building realistic mainlines, passing sidings, crossovers and other track arrangements where smooth routing through a switch is important. Its #8 turnout geometry provides a more gradual diverging route than lower-number turnouts, making it particularly useful for mainline trackwork and layouts operating longer locomotives and rolling stock.

Designed for the Atlas HO Code 100 track system, this turnout features solid nickel silver Code 100 rail with black injection-molded plastic ties and connects with compatible Atlas HO Code 100 track.

What Does #8 Turnout Mean?

The #8 designation describes the turnout's frog geometry. In simplified terms, a #8 frog spreads approximately one unit sideways for every eight units traveled forward through the frog area. Compared with a lower-number turnout, this produces a shallower and more gradual diverging route.

That broad geometry makes #8 turnouts particularly useful for mainline switches, passing sidings, crossovers and other locations where smoother track geometry is desirable. The tradeoff is that a #8 turnout requires more layout space than a tighter turnout.

Right-Hand Turnout

ATL286 is a right-hand turnout. When approaching from the single-track or point end of the turnout, the straight route continues forward while the diverging route branches toward the right.

This makes ATL286 the opposite-hand counterpart to a left-hand #8 turnout and allows model railroaders to create track arrangements that branch in either direction.

Why Choose a #8 Turnout?

A #8 turnout is an excellent choice where sufficient layout space is available and broader track geometry is preferred. The gradual diverging route creates a smoother and more realistic-looking transition than tighter turnout geometries.

This makes #8 turnouts especially useful on visible mainlines, passing sidings, crossovers, passenger routes and other trackwork handling longer equipment. Locomotive and rolling-stock requirements vary, so always consider the manufacturer's minimum-radius and trackwork recommendations when designing a layout.

Common Uses for a #8 Right Turnout

• Mainline switches and junctions
• Passing sidings
• Mainline crossovers
• Double-track railroad arrangements
• Arrival and departure tracks
• Passenger terminal approaches
• Broad industrial leads
• Locations operating longer locomotives and rolling stock

Atlas HO Code 100 #8 Mark IV Right Turnout Features

• HO Scale model railroad turnout
• #8 turnout geometry
• Right-hand configuration
• Mark IV design
• Broad, gradual diverging route
• Ideal for mainline, siding and crossover applications
• Code 100 rail profile
• Solid nickel silver rail
• Black injection-molded plastic ties
• Durable traditional Atlas Code 100 construction
• Designed for Atlas HO Code 100 track systems
• Connects with compatible Atlas HO Code 100 track
• Atlas manufacturer item number 0286
• Fusion Scale Hobbies SKU ATL286

#8 vs. Tighter HO Scale Turnouts

Lower-number turnouts change direction more quickly and occupy less space, making them useful for compact yards, industrial switching areas and layouts where available room is limited.

A #8 turnout provides a considerably more gradual diverging route. Where sufficient space is available, this broader geometry is well suited to visible mainlines and other locations where smoother operation and a more realistic appearance are priorities.

Use Left & Right #8 Turnouts Together

Left- and right-hand #8 turnouts can be used throughout a layout to create opposing sidings, junctions and other track arrangements. They are also particularly useful when designing broad mainline crossover arrangements between parallel tracks.

The right-hand ATL286 can therefore be paired with compatible left-hand #8 turnout geometry when a track plan requires routes branching in opposite directions.

Manual or Powered Operation

The turnout points must be positioned to select either the straight or diverging route. Depending on your layout design and operating preferences, the turnout can be incorporated into a manual or powered turnout-control system.

Browse our Atlas HO Switch Machines collection for turnout-control components and additional options for operating Atlas HO track switches.

Build with Atlas HO Code 100 Turnouts

Browse our Atlas HO Code 100 Turnouts & Switches collection for additional turnout sizes and left- and right-hand configurations for mainlines, yards, sidings and industrial trackwork.

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

Complete Your Trackwork

Use Atlas HO Code 100 Straight Track and Atlas HO Code 100 Flex Track to continue track beyond the turnout.

For layouts where two independent tracks need to intersect, browse Atlas HO Code 100 Crossings.

HO Scale Track Installation Supplies

For rail joiners, terminal connections, track nails, switch machines and other installation components, browse Atlas HO Track Accessories.

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.