Track spacing and cross-overs

[Doc in CT]

I get the same minimum of 2.7" with either of the number 6 (not snap switches) and also with the number 4. Maybe time to reinstaller RTS. As I indicated (this is an HO scale) the majority of the tracks are on opposite sides of platforms, so the space is closer to 3", However I do need some crossovers between the main track, passing track and/or station lead. If I had another 6ft of space things would be more prototypical, but.... Anyway will be back with some track layout when I get a chance to work on the design (at least this last one has curves at least 24in radius including the flex segments. PS no space for number 8 in the station maybe elsewhere on the layout. Thanks for the comments.

[tomikawaTT]

A crossover is an S curve: to work without grief the tangent length between frogs should approximate the length of the longest car (with body-mounted couplers) that will use it.  If you are using commercial turnouts and two inch track spacing, that means high-number turnouts if you run 85 foot passenger cars.

If your cars have truck-mounted couplers, they will pass through almost anything - but will look seriously ugly if you use low-number turnouts.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - on hand-laid specialwork of no particular frog #)

[johncolley]

One wee bit of caution, eh? Even with #6's don't even think of backing a long consist (8 cars?) on crossovers....you will put cars on the ground! I learned this the hard way at a show! By all means consider using #8's ( or better yet, #10's) as it makes for a beautiful flowing rather than a jerking motion. One other thing with 85 footers...don't try to mix cars with body mount couplers and those with truck mounted...you will come to grief! John

[nbrodar]

 Hmmm...sounds like something's fishy with RTS.  Atlas turnouts should give you a 2 inch spacing.  The only exception is a double crossover...which has a spacing of 3 inches.

While the Atlas #4s (actually a 4.5) will probably handle the 85 foot car, you'll be much happier with the #6s.  The car will operate and look much better.   As Paul said, if you have the space #8s are even better.

Nick

[Paulus Jas]

hi,

not typical at all; 2" spacing is fine but add some in curves. How much depends on the radius and the equipment used. (with the long coaches and a 24" radius  2.5" spacing will do, but try it out first)

A 24" radius goes with a #5 switch in normal situations; when an S-curve is involved (with a crossover) you'll need a #6. Tony Koester had in MRP, long time ago two pictures posted, showing a passenger train on the VO negotiating a #6 and a #8 crossover. What a difference it made; if you have the space use #6 for standard situations and #8 for crossovers.

Keep smiling and have fun 

Paul

[jrbernier]

  What turnouts are you selecting with RTS?  Standard 'Customline' turnouts should give you about 2"-OC.  Sounds like you are selecting the 'Snap-Switch' turnouts.  Also you want at least a #6 so you can run you Amtrak cars.

Jim Bernier

[Doc in CT]

 I've been working on a layout module with a station / yard ladder (see Springfield Union Station on my website - oh, the station now spans two 80in modules).

Using Atlas RightTrack I've noticed that the track spacing is never less than 2.7 inches in their cross-overs.  Is this typical of all brands of switches.  It is only an issue on the parallel mainline, station lead tracks where I wanted to keep to 2" spacing (spacing on other tracks has to allow for station platforms).

Also,  will No. 4 switches handle the long Amtrak cars (scale 85ft)? or should I stay with No. 6.  I am keeping all curves to 24in min radius.