Atlas HO Code 100 Customline Curved Turnout – Left – ATL287

Atlas HO Code 100 Customline Curved Turnout – Left – ATL287 is a left-hand curved turnout designed to divide an existing curved HO scale track into two separate routes. Unlike a conventional turnout that typically approaches from straight track, a curved turnout places both routes within curved trackwork, making it especially useful where a siding, secondary route or yard lead needs to branch from an existing curve.

Part of the Atlas HO Code 100 Customline track system, ATL287 features solid nickel silver Code 100 rail with black injection-molded plastic ties. Its curved configuration gives layout designers another option for fitting complex track arrangements into locations where a conventional straight turnout may not work efficiently.

What Is a Curved Turnout?

A curved turnout performs the same basic routing function as a conventional turnout, but the approach and routes through the switch follow curved geometry rather than beginning with a traditional straight alignment.

This allows a train already traveling through a curve to continue along one curved route or be directed onto another. The result can be a much more useful track arrangement when a branch needs to begin within a curve rather than after the curve has ended.

Why Use a Curved Turnout?

Curved turnouts are valuable when available layout space or the desired track plan makes a conventional straight turnout difficult to use. Instead of completing a curve, adding a straight section and then installing a turnout, a curved turnout allows the route to divide while the track is already changing direction.

This can help model railroaders create more efficient track arrangements and can be particularly useful for passing sidings, yard entrances, industrial leads, station approaches and branching routes.

Left-Hand Curved Turnout

ATL287 is the left-hand version of the Atlas Code 100 Customline curved turnout. The left/right designation identifies the turnout configuration and distinguishes it from the corresponding right-hand curved turnout.

When planning curved turnout installations, carefully compare the turnout's orientation with the surrounding track plan to make sure the routes curve in the directions required by your layout.

Common Uses for a Curved Turnout

• Branching one route from an existing curve
• Passing siding entrances and exits
• Yard leads and yard approaches
• Industrial sidings and spurs
• Station and terminal approaches
• Branch-line junctions
• Complex track arrangements with limited space
• Locations where a conventional straight turnout would require additional track length

Atlas HO Code 100 Customline Curved Left Turnout Features

• HO Scale model railroad turnout
• Left-hand curved turnout configuration
• Atlas Customline design
• Allows a route to divide within curved trackwork
• Useful for sidings, yards, junctions and industrial track
• Helps create complex track arrangements where space is limited
• Code 100 rail profile
• Solid nickel silver rail
• Black injection-molded plastic ties
• Designed for Atlas HO Code 100 track systems
• Connects with compatible Atlas HO Code 100 track
• Atlas manufacturer item number 0287
• Fusion Scale Hobbies SKU ATL287

Curved vs. Conventional Turnouts

A conventional left- or right-hand turnout is generally used where a route branches from relatively straight track. A curved turnout is designed for locations where the track is already curving when the routes divide.

This distinction can be extremely useful when designing an HO scale railroad. Curved turnouts allow track plans to make better use of available space while providing routing possibilities that may otherwise require additional straight track and a conventional turnout.

Plan Curved Turnout Installations Carefully

Curved turnouts have more specialized geometry than ordinary straight turnouts, so surrounding trackwork should be planned carefully before permanent installation. Test your intended locomotives and rolling stock through both routes before securing, ballasting or weathering the turnout.

Long locomotives and rolling stock can be particularly sensitive to curved track and turnout geometry, so always consider the operating requirements of your equipment when designing the surrounding track plan.

Manual or Powered Turnout Control

The turnout points select which route a train will follow. Depending on your layout and operating preferences, the turnout can be incorporated into an appropriate manual or powered turnout-control arrangement.

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 complete Atlas HO Code 100 Turnouts & Switches collection for curved, left-hand, right-hand and other turnout 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.

Connect Your Curved Turnout to the Layout

Use Atlas HO Code 100 Flex Track when custom track alignment is needed around the turnout, or browse Atlas HO Code 100 Curved Track for fixed-radius sectional curve options.

Additional Atlas HO Code 100 Straight Track can be used throughout adjoining sidings, yards and other routes.

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.