Description
The Atlas #285 is an HO Code 100 #8 Left-Hand Custom-Line Mark IV turnout — Atlas's modern, all-metal-point, all-metal-frog upgrade of its classic Custom-Line turnout family. The #8 frog gives a gentle 7.13° divergence, ideal for mainline running and passenger-equipment yard ladders where the broader Mark IV turnouts handle long-wheelbase six-axle diesels and full-length passenger cars without lurching.
Nickel-silver rail on black plastic ties matches the rest of Atlas's HO Code 100 line. The Mark IV upgrade adds die-cast metal points and a die-cast metal frog with a power-routing tab on the underside — solder one wire and the frog becomes live, eliminating stall-outs at low speed.
How to use
- Configure as a remote switch with the Atlas Code 100 remote switch machine (sold separately), or use an under-table machine like the Tortoise™ via a slot in the throwbar.
- For DCC-friendly operation, leave the frog isolated; for power-routing operation, solder a feed to the underside frog tab.
- The #8 frog gives the broadest divergence in the Atlas Code 100 lineup — best for mainline ladders and long passenger cars (full-length 85-ft Pullmans roll through cleanly).
- Pair with the right-hand #286 for facing-point ladders, and with the curved versions #287 (CLH) / #288 (CRH) for compact yard throats.
- Compatible with all HO Code 100 trackage — Atlas, PECO Code 100, Walthers, etc. — via standard rail joiners.
Specifications
- Scale: HO (1:87)
- Rail Code: Code 100 nickel-silver
- Type: #8 Custom-Line Mark IV turnout (≈7.13° divergence)
- Direction: Left Hand
- Frog/Points: Die-cast metal, power-route tab
- Brand: Atlas
- SKU / Item Number: 285