Atlas HO Code 83 Custom-Line Wye Turnout – ATL560

Atlas HO Code 83 Custom-Line Wye Turnout – ATL560 is a prototypically detailed HO scale track switch designed to divide a single approaching track into two diverging routes. Unlike a conventional left- or right-hand turnout, a wye turnout does not have one primary straight route and one diverging route, making it especially useful for wye tracks, branch junctions, yard approaches and other track arrangements where routes need to divide in two directions.

Part of the Atlas HO Code 83 Custom-Line track system, ATL560 features nickel silver rail, prototypically fine brown ties, a blackened metal frog and rivetless switch points. It combines realistic HO scale appearance with reliable operating characteristics for permanent model railroad trackwork.

What Is a Wye Turnout?

A wye turnout differs from a conventional left- or right-hand turnout because both routes diverge away from the approaching track. This symmetrical arrangement makes the turnout particularly useful anywhere a railroad needs to split one route into two directions without continuing one route straight through the switch.

Wye turnouts are commonly used as part of turning wyes, branch-line junctions, yard entrances and other compact route-dividing arrangements. ATL560 is an individual turnout and should not be confused with a complete three-legged turning wye, which requires additional track and turnouts to create the full arrangement.

Atlas Custom-Line Turnout Design

ATL560 is part of the Atlas Custom-Line turnout family. Custom-Line turnouts are designed around prototypical turnout geometry rather than the radius-based sectional geometry used by Atlas Snap-Switches.

Atlas specifically notes that Custom-Line turnouts and Snap-Switches have different geometry and should not be substituted directly for one another in track plans. When replacing an existing turnout or following an Atlas layout plan, make sure the plan calls for the appropriate Custom-Line geometry.

Blackened Metal Frog

The Atlas HO Code 83 Wye Turnout features a blackened metal frog. The metal construction provides a more realistic appearance than a molded plastic frog while forming an important part of the turnout's electrical and operating design.

When installing any turnout, carefully test locomotives and rolling stock through both routes before permanently securing and ballasting the surrounding track.

Rivetless Switch Points

Atlas Custom-Line turnouts feature rivetless switch points designed to provide reliable electrical conductivity while maintaining a cleaner and more prototypical appearance.

The moving points direct the wheels into either diverging route, allowing ATL560 to function as the route-selection point in a wye, junction or other branching track arrangement.

Atlas HO Code 83 Wye Turnout Features

• HO Scale 1:87
• Custom-Line wye turnout
• Single approaching route divides into two diverging routes
• Ideal for turning wyes, branch junctions, yard approaches and route splits
• Code 83 nickel silver rail
• Prototypically fine brown ties
• Blackened metal frog
• Rivetless switch points
• Designed for reliable electrical conductivity
• Compatible with under-table switch machines
• Compatible with standard remote and manual Atlas Code 83 switch machines
• Custom-Line geometry differs from Atlas Snap-Switch geometry
• Atlas manufacturer item number 0560
• Fusion Scale Hobbies SKU ATL560

Where to Use a Wye Turnout

ATL560 is particularly valuable when conventional left- or right-hand turnout geometry does not fit the desired track arrangement. Because both routes diverge, a wye turnout can provide a natural transition into two branching routes while keeping the track arrangement relatively balanced.

One of its most recognizable applications is a railroad turning wye, where three legs of track form a triangular arrangement that allows locomotives or complete trains to reverse direction. A wye turnout can also be useful independently at junctions, yards and other locations where symmetrical branching geometry is advantageous.

Wye Turnout vs. Left or Right Turnout

With a conventional turnout, one route generally continues through the switch while the second route diverges either left or right. A wye turnout sends both routes away from the approaching centerline.

This distinction makes ATL560 useful for specialized track arrangements where neither a conventional left-hand nor right-hand turnout provides the desired geometry.

Custom-Line vs. Snap-Switch

Atlas specifically cautions that a Custom-Line turnout cannot simply replace a Snap-Switch in a track plan because the two designs use different geometry.

Snap-Switches are intended to integrate with radius-based sectional-track arrangements, while Custom-Line turnouts are designed around more prototypical turnout geometry. Always verify the turnout type required by your track plan before installation.

Manual or Remote Turnout Control

Atlas designed its Code 83 Custom-Line turnouts for use with under-table switch machines or standard remote and manual Code 83 switch machines, allowing the turnout-control method to be selected according to the layout.

An under-table machine can keep the operating mechanism hidden beneath the layout, while surface-mounted manual or remote controls can provide a simpler installation depending on the application.

Atlas HO Code 83 Construction

Atlas HO Code 83 track features prototypically fine brown ties and nickel silver rail. The finer Code 83 rail profile provides a more scale-appropriate appearance than traditional Code 100 track while retaining the durability and dependable operation expected from Atlas track.

Plan & Test Before Ballasting

Because a wye turnout introduces two diverging routes, carefully plan the adjoining track before permanently installing ATL560. Make sure both routes transition smoothly into the surrounding trackwork and provide adequate clearance for the locomotives and rolling stock you intend to operate.

Test equipment through both diverging routes in both directions before permanently securing and ballasting the turnout. Verify smooth point movement, wheel tracking and electrical performance while adjustments remain easy to make.

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