O Scale Track Accessories

Why Choose Atlas O Scale Track Accessories

Atlas has earned widespread recognition in the model railroading community for producing reliable track systems and accessories that combine precision engineering with practical functionality. Their O scale track accessory line demonstrates commitment to electrical reliability, mechanical durability, and operational excellence that makes these components essential for serious model railroaders. Each accessory undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure proper fit, reliable electrical conductivity, and long-term performance under continuous layout operation.

The manufacturing process employed by Atlas produces track accessories with precise dimensions that ensure proper fit with Atlas track systems, robust materials that withstand repeated handling and operation, excellent electrical conductivity for consistent power delivery, and straightforward installation that minimizes setup time. These accessories integrate seamlessly with both 2-rail and 3-rail O scale track systems, providing flexibility for modelers working in either operating configuration.

Rail Joiners and Electrical Connectivity

Proper electrical connectivity forms the foundation of reliable model railroad operation. Rail joiners serve dual purposes by providing both mechanical connection between track sections and electrical continuity for power distribution. The 2RL NS rail joiners feature nickel silver construction that ensures excellent electrical conductivity while maintaining proper mechanical grip on rail ends. These joiners slide onto rail ends and create secure connections that maintain alignment while allowing slight flexibility for track expansion and contraction.

The 2RL insulated joiners provide mechanical connection without electrical continuity, allowing modelers to create isolated track sections for block control, detection circuits, or independent power districts. These insulated joiners prove essential for layouts using block signaling systems, multiple power supplies, or Digital Command Control with power management requirements. The plastic construction prevents electrical flow while maintaining proper rail alignment and mechanical strength.

Terminal Joiners and Power Distribution

Effective power distribution requires reliable connection points where layout wiring attaches to track sections. The 2RL terminal joiners and terminal joiners pair feature integrated wire connection terminals that allow secure attachment of feeder wires to track sections. These specialized joiners combine the mechanical connection function of standard rail joiners with convenient electrical terminals for solderless wire attachment.

Proper power distribution strategy involves placing terminal joiners at strategic locations throughout the layout to minimize voltage drop and ensure consistent locomotive performance. Model railroaders typically install feeders every few track sections, with more frequent connections in areas with heavy traffic or multiple locomotives. The terminal joiners simplify this installation by eliminating the need to solder directly to rails, which can damage ties and create unsightly connections.

Switch Machines and Turnout Control

Remote control of turnouts enables realistic railroad operations where dispatchers route trains through complex track arrangements without manual intervention. Atlas switch machines provide reliable motorized control of turnout points, allowing operators to change routes from control panels or computer interfaces. The 2RL left hand switch machine, 2RL right hand switch machine, and 2RL right hand switch machine 7099 mount beneath the layout and connect to turnout mechanisms through simple linkages.

These switch machines feature robust motors that provide positive point movement, internal contacts that can control signals or route power, mounting brackets for secure installation beneath the layout, and compatibility with various control systems including push buttons, toggle switches, and DCC accessory decoders. Proper installation involves aligning the machine with the turnout throw bar, adjusting linkage length for complete point movement, and securing the machine to prevent shifting during operation.

Track Bumpers and Safety Equipment

Track bumpers serve essential safety functions by preventing locomotives and rolling stock from running off track ends in yards, sidings, and industrial spurs. The 3-Rail bumpers provide realistic track termination that protects equipment while adding authentic railroad details to layout scenes. These bumpers feature sturdy construction that absorbs impact from rolling stock, realistic appearance matching prototype bumper designs, and easy installation at any track end.

Prototype railroads use various bumper designs including Hayes bumpers with distinctive spring mechanisms, friction bumpers that absorb energy through sliding resistance, and fixed bumpers that simply block track ends. Model bumpers replicate these designs at scale, adding visual interest while serving practical protective functions. Strategic bumper placement prevents accidental derailments and equipment damage during switching operations or runaway situations.

Bridge Structures and Scenic Infrastructure

Bridges add dramatic visual interest to model railroad layouts while serving practical functions of spanning obstacles and creating vertical separation between track levels. The 3RL single track Pratt truss bridge kit replicates the distinctive Pratt truss design widely used by American railroads for medium-span bridges. This design features diagonal members in tension and vertical members in compression, creating efficient load distribution that made it popular for railroad applications.

The kit includes precision-molded truss components that assemble into authentic bridge structures, deck sections that support track installation, and detailed instructions with assembly diagrams. Modelers can paint and weather these bridges to represent various ages and maintenance conditions, from freshly painted structures to weathered bridges showing years of service. Bridge placement considerations include ensuring adequate clearance beneath for roads or water features, proper approach grades that locomotives can negotiate, and realistic abutment construction that integrates bridges into surrounding scenery.

Accessory Rails and Custom Applications

The accessory rails provide flexible solutions for specialized track applications including custom turnout construction, industrial spur extensions, and unique track configurations not available in standard track sections. These rails allow creative modelers to build custom trackwork that matches specific prototype situations or accommodates unusual layout requirements.

Applications for accessory rails include extending turnout frogs for improved electrical reliability, creating custom-length track sections that fit specific spaces, building specialized industrial trackwork including stub switches and slip switches, and repairing damaged track sections by replacing individual rails. Working with accessory rails requires basic tools including rail cutters, files for smoothing cut ends, and spike gauges for maintaining proper rail spacing.

Installation Best Practices

Successful track accessory installation requires attention to proper techniques that ensure reliable long-term operation. Rail joiners should slide onto rail ends with moderate resistance, neither too loose to maintain electrical contact nor too tight to prevent installation. Slightly spreading joiner ends with a small screwdriver facilitates installation on stubborn rails. Terminal joiners require secure wire connections using appropriate wire gauges for the current loads involved, typically 14 or 16 gauge wire for O scale power feeders.

Switch machine installation demands precise alignment between the machine throw arm and turnout points to ensure complete point movement without binding or excessive force. Test installations before permanent mounting allow adjustments to linkage length and machine position. Bumpers should be installed level with track height and secured firmly to prevent shifting under impact. Bridge structures require level installation with proper support at abutments and any intermediate piers to prevent sagging that could cause derailments.

Complementary Products and Building Resources

Complete your O scale layout with quality track systems from our O Scale 2 Rail Track and O Scale 3 Rail Track collections, which provide reliable track components for realistic operations. Add scenic details with products from our O Scale Atlas Scenery, O Scale Tichy Scenery, O Scale Motrak Scenery, and O Scale Phoenix Scenery collections.

Build custom structures with products from our O Scale Rslaserkits, O Scale Plastruct, and O Scale JTP Plastics collections. Add realistic vegetation with products from our O Scale JTT & Partners collection. Explore additional layout enhancement products in our O Scale Train Accessories collection.

Visit the official Atlas Model Railroad Company website for detailed product information, installation instructions, wiring diagrams, and the latest release announcements. MPM Hobbies is your trusted source for premium model railroad products, offering authentic track accessories and components from leading manufacturers worldwide with expert customer service and reliable delivery.