Atlas HO Code 83 #6 Turnout – Left – ATL505

Atlas HO Code 83 #6 Turnout – Left – ATL505 is a prototypically detailed left-hand HO scale track switch featuring true #6 turnout geometry, nickel silver rail and a blackened metal frog that can be powered. Its broader #6 geometry makes it an excellent choice for mainlines, passing sidings, crossovers, yard approaches and other locations where smoother, more gradual switching is preferred.

Part of the Atlas HO Code 83 track system, ATL505 combines reliable operation with a finer scale appearance. Atlas Code 83 track features prototypically fine brown ties and nickel silver rail, while this turnout adds improved point construction, realistic tie and spike detailing, and a metal frog designed for optional electrical powering.

True #6 Turnout Geometry

ATL505 is a true #6 turnout with a frog angle of approximately 9°30′. Unlike Atlas Snap-Switches, which are identified by curved-track radius, this turnout uses numbered frog geometry.

A #6 turnout provides a relatively gradual diverging route, making it a versatile choice for model railroaders who want smoother transitions than tighter turnout geometry can provide. It works particularly well in mainline sidings, crossovers, station approaches, yard entrances and other locations where trains may regularly move through the diverging route.

Left-Hand Configuration

ATL505 is the left-hand version. When approaching the turnout from the single-track or point end, the diverging route branches toward the left.

The left-hand configuration can be used to create passing sidings, crossovers, industrial leads, yard tracks and branch routes depending on the surrounding track arrangement.

Powerable Blackened Metal Frog

This Atlas Code 83 #6 turnout features a blackened metal frog rather than a permanently insulated plastic frog. Atlas designed the metal frog so it can be electrically powered using an appropriate switching arrangement such as an Atlas Snap-Relay.

Powering the frog can improve electrical continuity through the frog area, which can be particularly beneficial when operating short-wheelbase locomotives or equipment with limited electrical pickup at slow speeds.

Improved Rivetless Switch Points

Atlas designed the turnout points without the traditional visible rivets found on some older track designs. The rivetless points provide improved appearance and electrical contact while helping the turnout maintain a more prototypical look.

The frog and guardrail flangeways are also designed to NMRA standards for reliable wheel guidance through the turnout.

Realistic Code 83 Track Detail

Atlas HO Code 83 track is designed with a finer rail profile and realistic tie detailing. ATL505 features accurately scaled and spaced brown ties along with four molded spikes per tie arranged in a staggered pattern similar to U.S. prototype track.

Concealed nail holes help preserve the finished appearance of the turnout when it is installed as part of detailed and ballasted HO scale trackwork.

Atlas HO Code 83 #6 Left Turnout Features

• HO Scale 1:87
• #6 left-hand turnout
• True #6 frog geometry
• 9°30′ frog angle
• Nickel silver Code 83 rail
• Prototypically fine brown ties
• Accurately scaled and spaced ties
• Blackened metal frog
• Frog can be electrically powered
• Frog and guardrail flangeways designed to NMRA standards
• Rivetless points for improved electrical contact and appearance
• Four staggered spikes per tie for prototypical U.S. track appearance
• Concealed nail holes
• Designed for under-table switch machines or manual ground throws
• Designed for use with common-rail systems
• Atlas manufacturer item number 0505
• Fusion Scale Hobbies SKU ATL505

Why Choose a #6 Turnout?

A #6 turnout provides a useful balance between space requirements and gradual switching geometry. It requires more length than tighter turnout designs but provides a smoother diverging path that is well suited to many mainline and secondary-track applications.

This makes #6 turnouts popular for passing sidings, mainline crossovers, station tracks, yard approaches and branch-line junctions. The broader geometry can also be advantageous when operating longer locomotives and rolling stock.

#6 Turnout vs. Snap-Switch

ATL505 should not be confused with an Atlas radius-based Snap-Switch. Snap-Switches are designed around sectional curved-track geometry such as 18" or 22" radius, while ATL505 uses true #6 frog geometry.

The numbered #6 geometry provides a more gradual diverging route and is particularly useful where realistic mainline-style trackwork is more important than fitting a switch into a compact sectional-track arrangement.

Manual or Powered Turnout Control

Atlas designed ATL505 for use with under-table switch machines or manual ground throws, giving model railroaders flexibility in how the turnout is operated.

An under-table switch machine keeps the operating mechanism below the layout surface for a cleaner trackside appearance, while a manual ground throw provides straightforward local control at the turnout.

Plan & Test Before Ballasting

Before permanently securing and ballasting the turnout, verify that the points move completely into both positions and that adjoining track is properly aligned. Run locomotives and rolling stock through both the straight and diverging routes to confirm reliable operation.

If the metal frog will be electrically powered, complete and test the frog-powering arrangement before finishing the surrounding scenery and ballast so the electrical connections remain accessible during setup.

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