Just to start off in the thread-I did do a search on the website and went through 10pages on the topic in history but I think my problem was not covered -possible to age related product. History-I had this Atlas turntable set up on the last layout and I am okay with all aspects of DCC/AC wiring including the motorized turntable for this thread as it all worked fine on last layout. Here is my issue-I must have spent close to a month setting up all wiring and a horribly disappointing time trying to align the (edited to add in "ATLAS")Code 55 track to the turntable rails-I think there is about 18-19 positions... I use Woodland Scenics Foam Roadbed and with the combination of shaving cardboard and anything to shim the code 55 to the rails of the turntable was just agonizing. A few had slight catches to engine wheels when completed but with limited use seemed to work okay. I just hate the thought of going through the alignment again and there is absolutely no data at Atlas to what they recommend so I was thinking due to the age of the turntable product and code 55 possibly newer product maybe it was never designed for code 55-seems more likely now. I like that Walthers open pit design but can't afford the $200 plus figure now with the new railroad in progress and I may run into same alignment problems. Has anyone come across this alignment issue or heard of others with the issue and possibly suggestions or links to point to? Thank you for taking the time reading this thread.
Is the problem of aligning the rails horizontally to the turntable rails or is it a problem with a difference in height between the code 80 and the code 55? You allude to both in your post.
The alignment of where the rails meet the turntable is tricky, no matter what, and if you also do your transition from C55 to C80 at that point, that might make it more so. Have you considered putting a short piece of Peco code 55 (which uses C80 rail buried in the ties) as a "bridge piece", and having the transition from your C55 rail (which I am guessing is not Peco C55) to the Peco C55 be a couple of inches away from the turntable?
Thanks Carl and Sorry to be clear I am using all Atlas Code 55-I like your suggestion that it is possibly and "80" type I was wondering if a different code of track was intended for the Atlas turntable but I just wasn't able to determine that. It wouldn't be a problem at all to buy whatever code to make all engine spurs another code that mated up to table rails and the 1 transition (entrance) track I'm sure I could figure out how to splice since that would only be 1 piece of track to brainstorm and could weather/decorate the combining so no noticeable difference. I'll try getting maybe a 6" piece of the Peco55 track and see how well it looks up near turntable and possibly an Atlas80 also to test.
Inkaneer-I was trying to put in too much info and probably lost focus trying to explain my problem. The problem is rail height of Atlas code 55 track to the Atlas Turntable in all positions which is a lot and now after 2 replies sounds like the Atlas table is "code80". Going to buy like suggested...A PECO55 and an Atlas 80 6 inch piece and give a test.
I agree. Also...all the same manufactures track clear to the turntable will 'look' better then track pieces from even 2 different manufactures. Shim it !! Work from the table outwards. If using flextrack it makes the chore easier then using stiff section track....JMO
Interesting idea, since I wasn't sure about the difference I resorted to messing with cardboard (not stable even with glue). I like simple and consistency.
