I have started a small section 18in by 8 ft just to get started on my first layout in 30+ years Im using #6 turn outs on the main which is double main My question is what lenght of track should I use for a cross over from one to the other I run mostly big engines both steam and diesel I know I need to back off the size of the engines but I like the big stuff thanks J
It depends on what track centers you want. The Atlas Customline #6 turnouts will give you 2" 'on center' just the way they are. Other brands will vary....
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
jrbernier It depends on what track centers you want. The Atlas Customline #6 turnouts will give you 2" 'on center' just the way they are. Other brands will vary.... Jim
Jim that is what I;m running 2 inch centers I was thinking of a 9 in peace for the cross over but it looks too long
This will take you about 30 secs and does not require the internet.
Draw two lines 2' apart.
Put two switches down, one on each line, and line them up like a crossover. Measure the distance between the switches. Cut a piece of track to fit. (it will probably not require any track between them).
Don't be afraid to actually try something yourself. It is often hours or days quicker to get the answer.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
One other thought. Different manufactirers treat the diverging track in different ways. Some will curve it a little before going back to straight which increases the angle of divergence and decreases the space between turnouts. Since you run big engines the farther apart the two turnouts are the better your crossing will be. There is the dreaded S curve effect with trains in which a long car (think passenger) going around a curve will hang over the outside of the curve on the ends. if you go immediately into a curve in the other direction that car will extend the end of the car in the new direction while the next car is still extended over the previous curve in the opposite direction. Generally what happens is a derailrment due to exceeding the capability of the cars to handle the two different side thrusts. The general rule of thumb is to leave a straight section between the curve as long as the longest car. Now this isn't as pronounced when using crossings since the curve aren't as large or long but it is still a good idea to put in a short stretch of straight track as insurance.
Hi!
My HO layout currently under construction calls for two crossovers for the double main, and another two crossovers from the inner main to the "sub-main" (that connects into the terminals, yard, industrial sidings, etc.). For all four I'm using the new Atlas # 8 turnouts.
As my distance from track to track will vary (due to terrain, stations, whatever), I'm not sure as to how far apart the turnouts will be from each other when I actually install them. Sooooo, I bought a box of the Atlas short track sections that have two each of various lengths ranging from about an inch to 3 inches (I don't have the package in front of me but they should be readily available at the LHS). I am fairly certain that one of these will work for the crossovers, and I won't have to do the extra work needed if I cut off a piece of flex track.
By the way, on my last layout I built a double crossover with 4 Atlas # 6s and a crossing (forgot the degree). It took awhile to get it perfect, and of course I wired the two opposing turnout motors with each other so they worked together. Once I got it set and ballasted, it lasted for 13 years with the only derailments coming from operator error (me of course).
For what its worth....
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
hi,
if I understand your question right, you want to know how much length you need when you are building a #6 crossover with 2" spacing.
Not every brand is exactly the same but for one #6 switch you will need 6 x 2" = 12" length. The length of the crossover is 24". ( a #11 switch is about 11x2 = 22" long, a #11 crossover 44")
You have big engines; some will think about Big Boy's, but having (very) big power on a very small layout can be the wrong choise. Some time ago a newbie wanted a 22" radius and two #6 crossovers on his 8 x 4 layout and found it hard to believe he ended up with no length at all for his trains between the two crossovers
And believe me, #6 switches and a 22" radius are tight when you are pushing a string of modern auto-racks through them. If you really love the biggies you should consider N-scale; but you started by saying you are building a small section only. So it will depend on the size of your whole empire.
Paul