Atlas HO Code 83 #6 Custom-Line Turnout – Left – ATL563

Atlas HO Code 83 #6 Custom-Line Turnout – Left – ATL563 is a left-hand HO scale track switch featuring broader #6 turnout geometry, nickel silver rail, a blackened metal frog and rivetless switch points. Part of the Atlas Custom-Line system, this turnout is an excellent choice for passing sidings, crossovers, yard approaches, station tracks and other locations where smooth, realistic switching geometry is desired.

Compared with tighter #4 turnout geometry, the #6 design provides a more gradual diverging route, making ATL563 particularly useful where longer locomotives and rolling stock regularly travel through the diverging route.

#6 Custom-Line Turnout Geometry

ATL563 is a #6 numbered turnout. The turnout number describes the relationship between the straight and diverging routes, with a #6 providing broader, more gradual geometry than a #4 turnout.

This makes #6 turnouts a versatile choice for mainline passing sidings, crossovers, station approaches, yard entrances and branch-line junctions where smoother operation is preferred over the more compact footprint of tighter turnout geometry.

Left-Hand Configuration

ATL563 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 #6 turnouts can be combined with straight track, flex track and additional turnouts to build passing sidings, crossovers, yard leads, industrial tracks and other complex HO scale track arrangements.

Blackened Metal Frog

The Atlas HO Code 83 #6 Custom-Line Turnout features a blackened metal frog. The metal construction provides a more realistic appearance while contributing to the turnout's dependable electrical and operating design.

Atlas specifically designed its Custom-Line turnouts for strong electrical conductivity, an important consideration for reliable slow-speed operation through complex trackwork.

Rivetless Switch Points

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

The moving points direct locomotives and rolling stock between the straight and diverging routes. Proper alignment and complete point closure should always be checked before permanently installing and ballasting the turnout.

Atlas HO Code 83 #6 Custom-Line Left Turnout Features

• HO Scale 1:87
• #6 Custom-Line turnout
• Left-hand configuration
• Broader numbered-turnout geometry
• Ideal for passing sidings, crossovers, yard approaches and junctions
• 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 0563
• Fusion Scale Hobbies SKU ATL563

Why Choose a #6 Turnout?

A #6 turnout provides an excellent balance between layout space and gradual track geometry. It takes more room than a #4 turnout, but the diverging route changes direction more gradually, making it a strong choice for areas where trains regularly operate through both routes.

That makes ATL563 especially useful for passing sidings, mainline crossovers, station tracks, yard approaches and branch junctions. The broader geometry can also be advantageous when operating longer locomotives and rolling stock.

#6 vs. #4 Turnouts

The practical difference between a #6 and #4 turnout is how gradually the diverging route separates from the straight route. A #4 turnout changes direction more quickly and occupies less layout length, while a #6 provides a broader and smoother route.

For compact yards and industrial areas, #4 geometry can save valuable space. For passing sidings, crossovers and locations where longer equipment regularly uses the diverging route, the broader #6 geometry is often the better choice.

Custom-Line vs. Snap-Switch

ATL563 is a numbered Custom-Line turnout and should not be confused with an Atlas Snap-Switch. Atlas specifically states 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 ATL563 uses #6 numbered-turnout geometry. Always verify which type of turnout an existing track 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 keeps the mechanism hidden beneath the layout surface, while surface-mounted manual or remote switch machines provide additional control 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 ATL563, 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 adequate equipment clearance.

Testing the complete track arrangement before permanent installation makes it much easier to correct alignment or operating issues before ballast and scenery are added.

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