blue68camaro Need to have all three lines have the ability to switch between any line in either direction. I realize that the second option would use a little less space. I do not want to use a Peco double slip since the lines will not be parallel without bending the flex track.
Alton Junction
Still trying to figure out how to use this community forum, way different then others but a lot more inforamtive. I am still in approval mode so bear with me....
I posted the picture on https://ibb.co/Z2b4b4X
Thanks to richhotrain giving me detailed instructions on how to post an image.
Welcome to the forum.
blue68camaroI do not want to use a Peco double slip since the lines will not be parallel without bending the flex track. What one do you think would be a better option Top or Bottom?
"Better" is subjective and it's impossible to answer without knowing what the rest of the layout looks like and what you are trying to accomplish. The option with only turnouts has fewer frogs overall and might be slightly more reliable. As you noted, the option with crossings will be shorter. Since the PECO Code 100 double-slips have the same diverging angle as the “Large” turnouts, I don’t believe that you would need to “bend” any flextrack. Double-slips can be a little more finicky and you may want to avoid them for that reason. But I think that they do work in your configuration.
If you provide more information about what you are trying to do and the rest of the layout, folks may have more pertinent comments and suggestions.
Best of luck with your layout.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
By the way, terminology:
richhotrain
Is the bottom design truly shorter?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
blue68camaro
In option 2, the crossovers from the blue track don't need to be doubles.
I have the right to remain silent. By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.
Byron's plan with the double slip switches would be option 3. While more complex, the double slip switch option eliminates the reverse curves that you get in either option 1 or 2 when moving across all three tracks. I've always considered that you needed the length of your longest wheelbase from truck to truck between the points of adjacent crossover tracks. That would further extend the required length for options 1 or 2.
Ray
We need to know two things.
Is the OP's track Code 83 or Code 100?
How far apart is the spacing of the mainlines?
I mentioned in an earlier reply that I use Peco Code 83 Unifrog Double Slips to connect between 2-inch on center mainlines. No need to bend any flex track. I operate the double slips with a flip of the finger, taking advantage of the spring loaded point rails. Works like a charm.
Rich
carl425 blue68camaro In option 2, the crossovers from the blue track don't need to be doubles.
Yes, I was about to say the same thing.
It looks to be that the top option would be cheaper, as you do not need to spend extra money on the crossings for the double crossovers, but if you use a double crossover from the black rail to the green rail, you can save space. I wouldn’t use the bottom option because it uses more turnouts that nessesary.
If it was my railroad I would use a double crossover from black to green and two single crossovers from black to blue.
Hope this was helpful!
Regards, Isaac
I model my railroad and you model yours! I model my way and you model yours!
Yes the bottom is shorter. Using the Blue Line, turnout to turnout is 90" top one. Bottom one is 75". So 15" smaller.
richhotrain We need to know two things. Is the OP's track Code 83 or Code 100? How far apart is the spacing of the mainlines?
The Peco double slip are not cheap, especially the code 83!
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
riogrande5761 The Peco double slip are not cheap, especially the code 83!
richhotrainIs the OP's track Code 83 or Code 100?
The part numbers he gave in the first post are Code 100.
richhotrain richhotrain We need to know two things. Is the OP's track Code 83 or Code 100? How far apart is the spacing of the mainlines? Nothing?
Nothing?
Busy rebuilding boat dock that Hurricane Michael Decide to half destroy. Then add to that trying to watching 4014 and 844. Very fond memories of seeing 844 run in Cheyenne. Back on subject...
All are code 100. My 30 year old Marklins that I converted to DCC dont like code 83. Plus my 4014 Big Boy is happy with Peco turnouts and tempermental with Atlas.
Track spacing can be whatever it needs to be. I was able to secure more room for a layout extension.
Well, I don't have any fancy track planning software on my computer, but this is what I would do:
Option 1 - It takes up the least space, it is only minimally complex with one slip switch, it puts a suitable straight section between the two crossovers.
Option 2 - is similar without the slip switch.........
Sheldon
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Well, I don't have any fancy track planning software on my computer, but this is what I would do: Option 1 - It takes up the least space, it is only minimally complex with one slip switch, it puts a suitable straight section between the two crossovers. Option 2 - is similar without the slip switch......... Sheldon
blue68camaro Thanks to richhotrain giving me detailed instructions on how to post an image.
Combine your two ideas. Use the crossovers from the top diagram, upper track to middle track, as they are.
Use the double crossover from the bottom diagram as it is, middle track to lower track. Otherwise, the 3 double crossovers from the bottom diagram are redundant, and uses 12 switches to do what 8 can do. This, in the same space as the lower diagram.
Another way to put it, use the lower diagram, but with single crossovers on the upper to middle track. Dan