An elderly gentleman slipped and fell onto his N scale layout a year ago, basically destroying it. In cleaning up the mess, his family stripped the layout down to the frame and even removed the wiring. An operation since then seriously hindered his ability to communicate, but he made it clear that wants his layout back. The family has asked me to rebuilt it. My problem is his old Fleischmann turnouts and controls - I've never worked with Fleischmann. Can anyone tell me how to wire the turnouts? Three leads come out of each turnoout 'motor' - black, brown and yellow ochre. Where do they go? There evidently were 7 turnouts - 4 controlled by 2 Fleischmann controllers and 3 more Fleischmann turnouts controlled by 2 Atlas Twin switches. The 2 Fleischman controllers each have a diagram of a turnout and 2 pairs of red and black pushbuttons on their face, 4 solder terminals on the back, 1 solder terminal on the left side and 2 solder terminals on the right side. Oh-oh - the rattling inside suggests one or both Fleischmann controllers probably were damaged in the accident. All the more use for the Atlas units. Those Fleischmann turnouts (3 leads) that are controlled by the Atlas Twins - can you tell me how to connect them? They each have 2 up-down switches (SPST?) on the face, 2 screw terminals on the left and right sides and 4 screw terminals at the top. Looking through the box of damaged track, I find no insulated rail joints - If all 7 turnouts are for spurs, not sidings, it sounds like I need no special wiring for the turnouts. A final question - the Fleischmann turnouts are operated by a lever in the turnout that sticks out and is enganged by a hole and arm in the adjacent turnout 'motor' - EXCEPT one has no such crank. There appears to be no damage to the turnout - just nothing protruding for the motor to grab and transmit motion. Does that make any sense - was there a Fleischmann turnout that didn't throw via a turnout lever? Thanks for your help! Maybe someone will do the same for us when we're a little older. Scott
Scott: Here is a group that will help. Euro-N-subscribe@yahoogroups.com You can subscribe and ask the questions you asked in this post. Someone will have the answer. This is a good group.
I believe the three wires and a SPDT switch is all you need to control the motor. Black wire should be common (ground) and goes directly to the power supply; while brown and ochre should be connected to the SPDT switch contacts.
Denny, do you have any idea how to control the turnout motor with an 'Atlas Twin' turnout control? I've discovered that his Fleischmann turnout controls are in bad shape, he used Atlas Twins before to control several of his Fleischmann turnouts, so I'm going to have to use the Atlas Twins if I can figure out how to wire them. As you know, there are 3 leads coming out of the F t/out control - a black common, a brown and an ochre. The Atlas Twins he used appear to have 2 input terminals on the side and 2 output terminals at the top for each or the 2 t/os. I'd guess the F brown and ochre leads go to the Atlas output terminals, but I can't figure out what to do with the F common (black) wire. Any ideas how to control the F tos with Atlas Twins? Is the Fleischmann t/o motor AC or fixed DC? Thanks! Scott
Scott, I'm not a Fleischmann turnout expert, I never had one but I helped a friend years ago. I think they can work with both AC and DC, and if you need to install an Atlas motor I think you need to totally remove the Fleischmann box. Do you have/can take any picture of the F turnouts you have to replace and the Atlas Twins you're going to install? This way I hope I can help better. Contact me off-list if you like.
Correct. Unlike Atlas, Peco and others there is no need to isolate the tracks; this is done by the switch itself. The frog and all rails are isolated, so you can even run trough the switch by cutting it open. All switches are operated by that little black lever sticking out of the side. This lever is removable, it just clips in. This is to turn it upside down and "hide" the switch motor in a baseboard cut-out. If lever is missing, it is shown as a spare part on the Fleischmann website. You can also download the switch instructions at their website; unfortunately the pdf is to large to attach.
Fleischmann declares it for AC use. It is a twin-coil design type which cuts power when it reaches either position. Not sure if it will take DC...
Thank you! Thank you all for helping me understand the Fleischmann turnout and controls. I found that the F. turnout is the same, electrically, as the Atlas and that the newer Atlas #56 'switch controller' replaces the old Atlas Twin. Streetcar, one turnout was missing a lever - I'm glad to hear I can buy another and snap it in to save the turnout - I'll go to the F. webpage. I really appreciate your help! Scott
First, I'd like to say that the help people give each other on this site always does my heart good. Could someone please post a link for the Fleischmann website? They are one of the companies I've wanted to post a profile for in my About.com manufacturer's list. But Google only turns up American distributors. Best!
Denny, thanks - I figured it out. F. turnouts work real well with Atlas #56 'control boxes.' Thank you! Scott
Christoph; Thank you very much! Man that website needs help. Now can somebody tell me why they make the best turntable available in TT scale and no locos for it or rolling stock?
