{"product_id":"atl860","title":"Atlas HO Code 100 18\" Radius Manual Snap-Switch – Left – ATL860","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Code 100 18\" Radius Manual Snap-Switch – Left – ATL860\u003c\/strong\u003e is a left-hand HO scale sectional track switch designed for adding \u003cstrong\u003epassing sidings, industrial spurs, yard tracks and other branching routes\u003c\/strong\u003e to Atlas Code 100 layouts. Featuring \u003cstrong\u003e18\" radius Snap-Switch geometry\u003c\/strong\u003e, nickel silver rail, black ties and manual turnout operation, ATL860 is an easy-to-use switching component for traditional sectional-track layouts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike Atlas Customline #4, #6 or #8 turnouts, the Snap-Switch is designed around \u003cstrong\u003eAtlas sectional-track geometry\u003c\/strong\u003e. It includes a \u003cstrong\u003e1\/3 18\" radius curved track section\u003c\/strong\u003e that completes the curved leg to the equivalent geometry of a standard Atlas 18\" radius curved track section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Is an Atlas Snap-Switch?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAn 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 \u003cstrong\u003e18\" radius curved-track geometry\u003c\/strong\u003e for its diverging route.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLeft-Hand Snap-Switch\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eATL860 is a \u003cstrong\u003eleft-hand Snap-Switch\u003c\/strong\u003e. When approaching from the single-track or point end, one route continues generally forward while the diverging route curves toward the left.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis configuration is useful for creating \u003cstrong\u003epassing sidings, industrial spurs, yard tracks and other branching routes\u003c\/strong\u003e where the secondary route needs to curve toward the left.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e18\" Radius Sectional Track Geometry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe curved route of ATL860 is based around \u003cstrong\u003e18\" radius geometry\u003c\/strong\u003e. An included \u003cstrong\u003e1\/3 18\" radius curved track section\u003c\/strong\u003e completes the curved leg so it matches the geometry of a standard Atlas 18\" radius curved track section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eManual Snap-Switch Operation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eATL860 is the \u003cstrong\u003emanual version\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAtlas also specifies that this Snap-Switch is \u003cstrong\u003edesigned for use with above- or under-table switch machines\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing an upgrade path if powered turnout control is desired later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePlastic Frog\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Atlas Manual Snap-Switch uses a \u003cstrong\u003eplastic frog that cannot be electrically powered\u003c\/strong\u003e. This differs from Atlas Customline turnouts equipped with metal frogs that can be powered when desired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBecause 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAtlas HO Code 100 Left Manual Snap-Switch Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHO Scale sectional track switch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeft-hand configuration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e18\" radius Snap-Switch geometry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManual turnout configuration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned for above- or under-table switch machine installation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes a \u003cstrong\u003e1\/3 18\" radius curved track section\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncluded section completes the curved leg to standard 18\" radius geometry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlastic frog\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrog cannot be electrically powered\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCut-outs provided for rail joiners\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolid nickel silver rail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack injection-molded plastic ties\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCode 100 rail profile\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned for Atlas HO Code 100 sectional track layouts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAtlas manufacturer item number 0860\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFusion Scale Hobbies SKU ATL860\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAdd a Passing Track or Siding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAtlas designed Snap-Switch geometry to make common sectional-track arrangements easy to construct. Atlas notes that a Snap-Switch can \u003cstrong\u003ereplace a standard 9\" straight track section\u003c\/strong\u003e when adding a passing track or siding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLeft- 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eUsing a Snap-Switch in an 18\" Radius Curve\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eATL860 can also be incorporated into an \u003cstrong\u003e18\" radius curved track arrangement\u003c\/strong\u003e. When a Snap-Switch replaces a standard 18\" radius curved section, Atlas specifies adding a \u003cstrong\u003e1-1\/2\" straight track section\u003c\/strong\u003e to the opposite side to maintain the intended track geometry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eManual vs. Remote Snap-Switch\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eManual Snap-Switch\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoosing between manual and remote operation generally depends on turnout location, layout size and how the modeler prefers to control train movements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSnap-Switch vs. Customline Turnout\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAn Atlas \u003cstrong\u003eSnap-Switch is not the same as a numbered Customline turnout\u003c\/strong\u003e. Snap-Switches use sectional-track and 18\" radius geometry, while Atlas Customline #4, #6 and #8 turnouts use numbered frog geometry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eConsider Your Equipment's Minimum Radius\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the diverging route uses \u003cstrong\u003e18\" radius geometry\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBuild with Atlas HO Code 100 Turnouts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-code-100-turnouts-switches\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Code 100 Turnouts \u0026amp; Switches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e collection for manual and remote Snap-Switches, Customline turnouts, curved turnouts and additional switching options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCombine ATL860 with products from our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-code-100-track\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Code 100 Track\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e collection to build or expand a complete HO scale track system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eComplete Your Snap-Track Layout\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePair this switch with \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-code-100-straight-track\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Code 100 Straight Track\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-code-100-curved-track\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Code 100 Curved Track\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e to build sidings, spurs, passing tracks and complete sectional-track arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor custom track alignment beyond fixed sectional pieces, browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-code-100-flex-track\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Code 100 Flex Track\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHO Scale Track Accessories\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-switch-machines\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Switch Machines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e for turnout-control components, or shop \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-track-accessories\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Track Accessories\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e for rail joiners, terminal connections, track nails and other installation supplies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAtlas Code 100 track can also be installed over \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-cork-roadbed\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Cork Roadbed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e to create a raised track profile and foundation for ballast and finished scenery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShop HO Scale Model Railroad Track\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore our complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-ho-scale-track\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas HO Scale Track\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e selection or browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/model-railroad-track\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel Railroad Track\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e for additional track systems, turnouts and layout-building components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShop additional products from \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-model-railroad\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas Model Railroad\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/atlas-in-stock-products\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlas In-Stock Products\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Atlas","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44043723702528,"sku":"ATL860","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0613\/6453\/5552\/files\/ATL860_FSH.jpg?v=1789157216","url":"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/products\/atl860","provider":"Fusion Scale Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}