Want to run 2 trains over lionel crossover

[lionelsoni]

For the record, a prototype railroad would call that thing a "crossing".  Lionel had their own way of naming and doing some things.

[wrmcclellan]

Tim, thanks for the feedback and that it worked ok for you.

[BigAl 956]

Just turn over the crossover and the cahnges WRM is talking about will be self evident.

[trains216]

Thanks Roy worked great. Tim

[tinplatacis]

The Lionel handbook put out in the 80's has instructions for using 2 blocks and a 153 signal to stop on while the other crosses, but it was for a figure 8. I think that some modification will be needed, but only to isolate the center rails.

[wrmcclellan]

216 - assuming that you want to run a separately powered streetcar track that crosses the oval, you will need to modify the cross track piece.

Most cross tracks have wiring or tin strips underneath that connect all 4 center rails of the cross track together. You will have to modify this wiring/connection.

The typical Lionel tinplate track crossing has 2 tin center rail connecting strips underneath that each connect the opposing center rails that are soldered together. You can unsolder/unclip one tin piece and unsolder it from the other and then use electrical tape to act as an insulator and then reinstall the other tin strip. I have done this on two O-31 gauge Lionel crossovers (45 degree).

Or you can pull the tin strips and use wire and solder to separately connect the opposing center rails. Some crossovers have a one piece tin connector that connects all 4 center rails. So removing it and using wire is a simple solution.

 

[trains216]

I have an oval track and I want to crossover with a streetcar using different power how do I do this. Thanks