Atlas HO Code 83 #6 Turnout – Right – ATL506

Atlas HO Code 83 #6 Turnout – Right – ATL506 is a prototypically detailed right-hand HO scale track switch featuring true #6 turnout geometry, nickel silver rail and a blackened metal frog that can be powered. Its broad #6 geometry makes it an excellent choice for mainlines, passing sidings, crossovers, yard approaches and other locations where smooth, gradual switching is desired.

Part of the Atlas HO Code 83 track system, ATL506 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 rivetless switch points, realistic track detailing and a metal frog designed for optional electrical powering.

True #6 Turnout Geometry

ATL506 is a true #6 turnout with a frog angle of approximately 9°30′. Unlike Atlas Snap-Switches, which use radius-based sectional-track geometry, this turnout uses numbered frog geometry.

A #6 turnout provides a relatively gradual diverging route, making it a versatile choice where smoother track geometry is preferred. It is particularly useful for mainline passing sidings, crossovers, station approaches, yard entrances and branch-line junctions.

Right-Hand Configuration

ATL506 is the right-hand version. When approaching the turnout from the single-track or point end, the diverging route branches toward the right.

The right-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 that can be electrically powered. Powering the frog can help maintain electrical continuity through the frog area, which can be particularly beneficial for short-wheelbase locomotives or equipment with limited electrical pickup operating at slow speeds.

Atlas specifically notes that the frog can be powered using an appropriate electrical arrangement such as an Atlas Snap-Relay.

Rivetless Switch Points

Atlas designed the turnout with rivetless switch points to provide improved electrical contact and a cleaner, more prototypical appearance. The frog and guardrail flangeways are also manufactured to NMRA standards for reliable wheel guidance through the turnout.

Realistic Atlas Code 83 Track Detail

Atlas HO Code 83 track uses nickel silver rail and accurately scaled brown ties for a finer HO scale appearance. Four molded spikes per tie are arranged in a staggered pattern similar to U.S. prototype track, while concealed nail holes help maintain a cleaner appearance after installation.

Atlas HO Code 83 #6 Right Turnout Features

• HO Scale 1:87
• #6 right-hand turnout
• True #6 turnout geometry
• 9°30′ frog angle
• Code 83 nickel silver rail
• Prototypically fine brown ties
• Accurately scaled and spaced ties
• Blackened metal frog
• Frog can be electrically powered
• Frog and guardrail flangeways set to NMRA standards
• Rivetless switch points for improved electrical contact and appearance
• Four staggered spikes per tie for realistic 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 0506
• Fusion Scale Hobbies SKU ATL506

Why Choose a #6 Turnout?

A #6 turnout provides an excellent balance between layout space and gradual switching geometry. It requires more room than tighter turnout designs but provides a smoother diverging route that works well for both mainline and secondary-track applications.

This makes #6 turnouts especially useful for passing sidings, mainline crossovers, station tracks, yard approaches and branch junctions. The broader geometry is also advantageous when operating longer locomotives and rolling stock.

#6 Turnout vs. Atlas Snap-Switch

ATL506 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 ATL506 uses true #6 frog geometry.

The numbered #6 design is particularly useful where smoother, more realistic mainline-style trackwork is desired rather than fitting a turnout into predetermined sectional-curve geometry.

Manual or Powered Turnout Control

Atlas designed ATL506 for use with under-table switch machines or manual ground throws, allowing the turnout-control system to be selected separately to suit the layout.

An under-table switch machine keeps the operating mechanism hidden beneath the layout surface, while a manual ground throw provides straightforward local turnout control.

Plan & Test Before Ballasting

Before permanently securing and ballasting the turnout, verify that the switch 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 smooth operation.

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

Shop Atlas HO Code 83 Turnouts

Browse our Atlas HO Code 83 Turnouts & Switches collection for additional #6 turnouts, numbered turnouts, Snap-Switches and switching components.

Build with Atlas HO Code 83 Track

Shop our complete Atlas HO Code 83 Track collection for flex track, sectional track, turnouts, crossings and additional components for realistic HO scale trackwork.

Explore Atlas HO Code 83 Flex Track, Atlas HO Code 83 Straight Track, Atlas HO Code 83 Curved Track and Atlas HO Code 83 Crossings for additional track components.

Atlas HO Switch Machines & Accessories

Browse our Atlas HO Switch Machines for turnout-control options or shop Atlas HO Track Accessories for additional layout-building components.

HO Scale Track

Browse our complete Atlas HO Scale Track selection or explore HO Scale Track and Model Railroad Track for additional track systems and manufacturers.

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