Atlas HO Code 100 18" Radius Manual Snap-Switch – Left – ATL860

Atlas HO Code 100 18" Radius Manual Snap-Switch – Left – ATL860 is a left-hand HO scale sectional track switch designed for adding passing sidings, industrial spurs, yard tracks and other branching routes to Atlas Code 100 layouts. Featuring 18" radius Snap-Switch geometry, nickel silver rail, black ties and manual turnout operation, ATL860 is an easy-to-use switching component for traditional sectional-track layouts.

Unlike Atlas Customline #4, #6 or #8 turnouts, the Snap-Switch is designed around Atlas sectional-track geometry. It includes a 1/3 18" radius curved track section that completes the curved leg to the equivalent geometry of a standard Atlas 18" radius curved track section.

What Is an Atlas Snap-Switch?

An Atlas Snap-Switch is a sectional-track switch designed to integrate easily with Atlas HO Code 100 Snap-Track. Rather than using numbered frog geometry like a #4, #6 or #8 Customline turnout, the Snap-Switch uses 18" radius curved-track geometry for its diverging route.

This makes it especially convenient for traditional sectional-track layouts, starter layouts and compact HO railroads built around Atlas 18" radius curves and standard straight track sections.

Left-Hand Snap-Switch

ATL860 is a left-hand Snap-Switch. When approaching from the single-track or point end, one route continues generally forward while the diverging route curves toward the left.

This configuration is useful for creating passing sidings, industrial spurs, yard tracks and other branching routes where the secondary route needs to curve toward the left.

18" Radius Sectional Track Geometry

The curved route of ATL860 is based around 18" radius geometry. An included 1/3 18" radius curved track section completes the curved leg so it matches the geometry of a standard Atlas 18" radius curved track section.

This predictable geometry makes the Snap-Switch particularly useful when building from an Atlas sectional-track plan because it can be incorporated with standard straight and 18" radius curved track pieces without requiring custom-cut track for many common arrangements.

Manual Snap-Switch Operation

ATL860 is the manual version of the Atlas left-hand Code 100 Snap-Switch, making it a straightforward choice for turnouts that can be conveniently reached and operated directly on the layout.

Atlas also specifies that this Snap-Switch is designed for use with above- or under-table switch machines, providing an upgrade path if powered turnout control is desired later.

Plastic Frog

The Atlas Manual Snap-Switch uses a plastic frog that cannot be electrically powered. This differs from Atlas Customline turnouts equipped with metal frogs that can be powered when desired.

Because the frog is insulated, modelers operating locomotives with particularly short wheelbases or limited electrical pickup should keep the frog section in mind when planning their trackwork and operations.

Atlas HO Code 100 Left Manual Snap-Switch Features

• HO Scale sectional track switch
• Left-hand configuration
• 18" radius Snap-Switch geometry
• Manual turnout configuration
• Designed for above- or under-table switch machine installation
• Includes a 1/3 18" radius curved track section
• Included section completes the curved leg to standard 18" radius geometry
• Plastic frog
• Frog cannot be electrically powered
• Cut-outs provided for rail joiners
• Solid nickel silver rail
• Black injection-molded plastic ties
• Code 100 rail profile
• Designed for Atlas HO Code 100 sectional track layouts
• Atlas manufacturer item number 0860
• Fusion Scale Hobbies SKU ATL860

Add a Passing Track or Siding

Atlas designed Snap-Switch geometry to make common sectional-track arrangements easy to construct. Atlas notes that a Snap-Switch can replace a standard 9" straight track section when adding a passing track or siding.

Left- and right-hand Snap-Switches can therefore be combined to create passing sidings, parallel tracks and other useful operating arrangements while maintaining predictable Atlas sectional-track geometry.

Using a Snap-Switch in an 18" Radius Curve

ATL860 can also be incorporated into an 18" radius curved track arrangement. When a Snap-Switch replaces a standard 18" radius curved section, Atlas specifies adding a 1-1/2" straight track section to the opposite side to maintain the intended track geometry.

This ability to integrate with common Atlas sectional-track pieces makes the Snap-Switch especially useful for compact layouts and traditional HO track plans built around fixed-radius curves.

Manual vs. Remote Snap-Switch

The Manual Snap-Switch is a good choice for easily accessible turnouts where direct control at the switch is practical. For layouts where electrical control from a control panel is preferred, Atlas also offers Remote Snap-Switch configurations.

Choosing between manual and remote operation generally depends on turnout location, layout size and how the modeler prefers to control train movements.

Snap-Switch vs. Customline Turnout

An Atlas Snap-Switch is not the same as a numbered Customline turnout. Snap-Switches use sectional-track and 18" radius geometry, while Atlas Customline #4, #6 and #8 turnouts use numbered frog geometry.

If you are following an existing Atlas track plan, use the specific type of switch called for in the plan rather than assuming that a Snap-Switch and a numbered Customline turnout can be substituted for one another.

Consider Your Equipment's Minimum Radius

Because the diverging route uses 18" radius geometry, check the minimum-radius recommendations for the locomotives and rolling stock you plan to operate. Many HO scale models can negotiate 18" radius track, while longer locomotives, passenger cars and other large equipment may require or operate better on broader curves and turnout geometry.

Build with Atlas HO Code 100 Turnouts

Browse our complete Atlas HO Code 100 Turnouts & Switches collection for manual and remote Snap-Switches, Customline turnouts, curved turnouts and additional switching options.

Combine ATL860 with products from our Atlas HO Code 100 Track collection to build or expand a complete HO scale track system.

Complete Your Snap-Track Layout

Pair this switch with Atlas HO Code 100 Straight Track and Atlas HO Code 100 Curved Track to build sidings, spurs, passing tracks and complete sectional-track arrangements.

For custom track alignment beyond fixed sectional pieces, browse Atlas HO Code 100 Flex Track.

HO Scale Track Accessories

Browse Atlas HO Switch Machines for turnout-control components, or shop Atlas HO Track Accessories for rail joiners, terminal connections, track nails and other installation supplies.

Atlas Code 100 track can also be installed over Atlas HO Cork Roadbed to create a raised track profile and foundation for ballast and finished scenery.

Shop HO Scale Model Railroad Track

Explore our complete Atlas HO Scale Track selection or browse Model Railroad Track for additional track systems, turnouts and layout-building components.

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