Atlas HO Code 83 #4 Custom-Line Turnout – Left – ATL561

Atlas HO Code 83 #4 Custom-Line Turnout – Left – ATL561 is a compact left-hand HO scale track switch designed for sidings, yards, industrial tracks and other locations where layout space is at a premium. Its #4 geometry provides a more compact route change than broader #6 or #8 turnouts while retaining the realistic appearance and dependable operation of the Atlas HO Code 83 Custom-Line track system.

ATL561 features nickel silver Code 83 rail, prototypically fine brown ties, a blackened metal frog and rivetless switch points. It is an excellent choice for model railroaders building compact but realistic HO scale switching and yard trackwork.

#4 Custom-Line Turnout Geometry

ATL561 is a #4 turnout, making it a more compact option than Atlas #6 or #8 numbered turnouts. The tighter geometry allows tracks to separate more quickly, reducing the amount of layout length required for a siding, yard track or industrial spur.

This makes #4 turnouts particularly useful in yards, industrial switching areas, engine facilities, storage tracks and compact sidings where saving space is important. For mainline applications or equipment that benefits from more gradual track geometry, a broader #6 or #8 turnout may be preferable.

Left-Hand Configuration

ATL561 is the left-hand version. When approaching the turnout from the single-track or point end, the diverging route branches toward the left.

Left-hand turnouts can be combined with straight track, flex track and other turnouts to create sidings, crossovers, yard ladders, industrial leads and other complex track arrangements.

Blackened Metal Frog

The Atlas HO Code 83 #4 Custom-Line Turnout features a blackened metal frog. The metal construction provides a realistic appearance while forming part of Atlas's electrically capable Custom-Line turnout design.

Atlas Custom-Line turnouts are designed for reliable operation and electrical conductivity, making them well suited for permanent HO layouts where dependable low-speed switching is important.

Rivetless Switch Points

Atlas equips its Custom-Line turnouts with rivetless switch points. Eliminating prominent point rivets creates a cleaner, more realistic appearance while helping provide reliable electrical conductivity through the turnout.

The points direct equipment between the straight and diverging routes and should move freely and seat completely against the appropriate stock rail before trains are operated through the turnout.

Atlas HO Code 83 #4 Left Turnout Features

• HO Scale 1:87
• #4 Custom-Line turnout
• Left-hand configuration
• Compact numbered-turnout geometry
• Ideal for yards, industrial tracks, sidings and switching areas
• 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 Atlas remote and manual Code 83 switch machines
• Same geometry as the corresponding current Atlas Code 100 Custom-Line turnout
• Custom-Line geometry differs from Atlas Snap-Switch geometry
• Atlas manufacturer item number 0561
• Fusion Scale Hobbies SKU ATL561

Why Choose a #4 Turnout?

A #4 turnout is especially useful when layout space is limited. Its tighter geometry allows the diverging route to separate from the straight route more quickly than a #6 or #8 turnout, helping modelers fit additional switching and track capacity into a given area.

This makes ATL561 particularly useful for yard ladders, industrial districts, locomotive facilities, storage tracks and compact switching layouts.

The tradeoff is tighter diverging geometry. Model railroaders operating long-wheelbase locomotives or longer rolling stock should consider the operating requirements of their equipment when choosing between #4, #6 and broader turnout sizes.

#4 vs. #6 Turnouts

The biggest practical difference between a #4 and #6 turnout is how quickly the diverging route moves away from the straight route. A #4 turnout provides more compact geometry, while a #6 provides a more gradual route through the switch.

For compact yards and industrial switching, the #4 can save valuable layout space. For mainlines, passing sidings, crossovers and areas regularly handling longer equipment, the broader #6 geometry may be preferable.

Custom-Line vs. Snap-Switch

ATL561 is a numbered Custom-Line turnout and should not be confused with an Atlas Snap-Switch. Atlas specifically notes that Custom-Line turnouts and Snap-Switches use different geometry and cannot simply be substituted for one another in a track plan.

Snap-Switches are designed around sectional curved-track geometry, while ATL561 uses #4 numbered-turnout geometry. Always verify which type of turnout your layout plan requires before installation.

Compatible Turnout Control

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

Under-table operation can keep the turnout mechanism hidden beneath the scenery, while surface-mounted manual or remote controls provide alternative installation options.

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 maintaining dependable operation for HO scale model railroads.

Plan & Test Before Ballasting

Before permanently securing and ballasting ATL561, connect the adjoining track and test locomotives and rolling stock through both the straight and diverging routes. Verify smooth point movement, proper wheel tracking and sufficient equipment clearance.

This is especially important with compact #4 geometry. Check the operating requirements of longer locomotives and rolling stock before using #4 turnouts extensively throughout a layout.

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