hey all Im trying to figure out what cossing to use across a two trk main .if I take a 19 degree and a #4 custom line seems to fit fine but what size or degree for a #6 custom line turnout to cross from inside main across out side main ? and keep em straite ..hope that makes since ...Jerry
ok; found the answer on the atlas site looks like a 12.5 degree crossing is the mate for a #6. Now I need to find the length of one leg of the crossing ? Jerry
Jerry,
You are correct. The 19 degree crossing is used with the #4 turnouts. The 12.5 degree crossing is used with the #6 turnouts. Each leg of the 12.5 degree crossing measures exactly 9 inches. from end to end.
Rich
Alton Junction
Jerr,
The Atlas Customline #4 turnout has a 12.5 degree frog - You need a 12.5 degree Atlas crossing. An Atlas Customeline #6 has a 9.5 degree frog. Atlas does NOT have a compatible crossing. Shinohara does have a 9.5 degree crossing. Here is a link to them:
http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=Track&scale=H&manu=shinohara&item=&keywords=9.5+degree&words=restrict&instock=Q&split=30&Submit=Search
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
jrbernier Jerr, The Atlas Customline #4 turnout has a 12.5 degree frog - You need a 12.5 degree Atlas crossing. An Atlas Customeline #6 has a 9.5 degree frog. Atlas does NOT have a compatible crossing. Shinohara does have a 9.5 degree crossing.
The Atlas Customline #4 turnout has a 12.5 degree frog - You need a 12.5 degree Atlas crossing. An Atlas Customeline #6 has a 9.5 degree frog. Atlas does NOT have a compatible crossing. Shinohara does have a 9.5 degree crossing.
Maybe so, but trust me, the 12.5 degree crossing works fine with the Atlas #6 turnouts.
The LION wants to make some double crossovers. I have one pre made (Walters-Shinoharra) but those suckers cost about $100.00 each. LION has many snap switches and No. 4 and No. 6 switches, but no crossover that will yield a double crossover. HIM has been trying to figure it out, but maybe somebody already knows.
Thanks.
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thanks guys on the explanation and I do see that the 12.5 is stil not exact for the #6, that measurement is what I needed most ,thanks again Jerry
I have an original package for a #6 atlas switch and it shows on the back a double crossover using a 19 degree crossover and two pieces of track added in 2" long I just tried some #4 switches and the 25 degree crossing fits perfect and it says on the back #4 - 25 degree
I'll have to check that out ,on the back of the package for the custom line turnouts you say? thanks ..Jerry ps I never throw out my packages
well nothing on the back of mine ,are you sure were talking the "custom line" .may be they changed there packaging .thanks though Jerry
richhotrain jrbernier: Jerr, The Atlas Customline #4 turnout has a 12.5 degree frog - You need a 12.5 degree Atlas crossing. An Atlas Customeline #6 has a 9.5 degree frog. Atlas does NOT have a compatible crossing. Shinohara does have a 9.5 degree crossing. Maybe so, but trust me, the 12.5 degree crossing works fine with the Atlas #6 turnouts. Rich
jrbernier: Jerr, The Atlas Customline #4 turnout has a 12.5 degree frog - You need a 12.5 degree Atlas crossing. An Atlas Customeline #6 has a 9.5 degree frog. Atlas does NOT have a compatible crossing. Shinohara does have a 9.5 degree crossing.
I need to correct myself. I spoke from memory before and that is always a dangerous thing.
The Atlas 12.5 degree crossing lines up nice and parallel with an Atlas #4 turnout, not an Atlas #6 turnout.
On my old layout, I had a double main line with a crossing from the outside track across the inside track to reach the yard. I had to use a #4 turnout with a 12.5 degree crossing to accomplish this.
The length of each leg of the 12.5 degree crossing is 9 inches exactly.
BroadwayLion The LION wants to make some double crossovers. I have one pre made (Walters-Shinoharra) but those suckers cost about $100.00 each. LION has many snap switches and No. 4 and No. 6 switches, but no crossover that will yield a double crossover. HIM has been trying to figure it out, but maybe somebody already knows. Thanks.
You can pick up a double crossover (HO scale, Code 83) for $64 at MB Klein.
I have an Atlas Track Planner here and it calls for a 25 degree crossing for #4's and a19 degree for #6's, both end up with 3" track centers. The #4's call for a 2 1/2" straight piece between the switches on each side, and a total length of 21 1/2". For the #6's, a 2" piece between the turnouts and a total length of 26".
Hope this helps.
Good luck,
Richard
cowman I have an Atlas Track Planner here and it calls for a 25 degree crossing for #4's and a19 degree for #6's, both end up with 3" track centers. The #4's call for a 2 1/2" straight piece between the switches on each side, and a total length of 21 1/2". For the #6's, a 2" piece between the turnouts and a total length of 26". Hope this helps. Good luck, Richard
This thread seems to grow more confusing as it progresses. Now we are talking about 25 degree crossings.
I can only tell you that when I set up a 12.5 degree crossing with a #4 turnout yesterday on my work bench, I was able to form a set of parallel main line tracks with the crossing running across the inside track from the outside track.
As Jim Bernier correctly mentioned in an earlier reply, the 12.5 degree crossing matches the frog on a #4 turnout, and a 9 degree crossing matches the frog on a #6 turnout.
When Richard mentions "turnouts", perhaps we are talking about 3 parallel tracks with a crossing on the middle track connecting turnouts on the 2 outer tracks.
But, if you just need to establish a crossing from the outer main line track across the inner main line track, a 12.5 degree crossing and a #4 turnout will do it.
Rich is correct I had to go back and reread all of this if you want to just cross one main from the other one on a two track main using just one switch either a #4 (12.5 degree) or #6 ( 9 degree ) The 25 degree and 19 degree are used for a double crossover using four switches We were getting confused talking about two different things
richhotrain This thread seems to grow more confusing as it progresses. Now we are talking about 25 degree crossings. I can only tell you that when I set up a 12.5 degree crossing with a #4 turnout yesterday on my work bench, I was able to form a set of parallel main line tracks with the crossing running across the inside track from the outside track.
I think the confusion is arising from double or X crossovers, compared to a single crossing of the middle of 3 parallel tracks.
The Atlas #4 turnout has a diverging angle of 12.5 degrees; the #6 has an angle of 9.5 degrees.
For a crossing of a parallel track from a turnout on the adjacent track, the crossing angle matches the frog angle if no curved track is used. A 12.5 degree or 9.5 degree crossing is needed.
For a double or X crossover, with the crossing between the parallel tracks, the crossing has double the angle of the turnout frogs. A 25 degree crossing is used with #4 turnouts, the 19 degree crossing is used with #6s.
An issue with any crossing - as the angle gets shallower, the more difficult it becomes to place the guard rails to prevent a wheelset from taking the wrong path in the K frog. A 9.5 degree crossing with NMRA-spec flangeways is difficult to make with functional guard rails. Shallower than the 9.5 degree (#6 frog) is almost impossible.
Using some curved track in between the turnout and the crossing allows shorter crossovers and better crossing angles.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
mikeGTW I have an original package for a #6 atlas switch and it shows on the back a double crossover using a 19 degree crossover and two pieces of track added in 2" long I just tried some #4 switches and the 25 degree crossing fits perfect and it says on the back #4 - 25 degree
Gee... *my* original package has no such information on it:
It does make a difference if you want a double crossing from one mainline track to the other or just turn from one and cross the other to get to a yard or other siding. You have answers to both situations in these comments.
My comments were for crossing from one track to the other.
Have fun,
yes I see my error ,My question was for say a switch lead running next to a main line and cross to the other side withOUT merging on to the main, NOT a double crossover ..thanks to all ,I think I got it 12.5 for a #4 & a 9.5 for a # 6...thanks Jerry
Well i am trying to use Atlas Code 83 #6 turnouts and if any of you have Lance Mindheims designing switching layout book, the number one plan in the back uses a crossing with #6 turnouts.. it doesn't say what the crossing is but i can't get anything to line up... this is not a double cross over just a crossing that lines up with two number 6 turnouts. I dont see any code 83 9.5 degree crossings. Looks like i need to scratch my #6 turnouts in this section and use the number 4's and a 12.5 degree cross over.
Corey
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Geep Fan Well i am trying to use Atlas Code 83 #6 turnouts and if any of you have Lance Mindheims designing switching layout book, the number one plan in the back uses a crossing with #6 turnouts.. it doesn't say what the crossing is but i can't get anything to line up... this is not a double cross over just a crossing that lines up with two number 6 turnouts. I dont see any code 83 9.5 degree crossings. Looks like i need to scratch my #6 turnouts in this section and use the number 4's and a 12.5 degree cross over. Corey
Corey, you are right. That Walthers link that Jim provided earlier is for Code 100 crossings that are 9.5 degrees. A search of Walthers did not turn up any Code 83 crossings that are 9.5 degrees.
it would seem that a 12.5 degree crossing across the middle track could be connected to #6 turnouts on the two outer tracks, but not directly. The turnouts would need to be spaced further apart to allow additional track to be inserted on either side of the crossing legs to accomodate the angle of the 12.5 degree crossing. Has anyone tried it?
Thanks Rich, I think if you spaced them far enough apart it would work and splicing in track but would look worse than # 4's i think on my switching layout. I have to pick up a 12.5 tonight and will give it a try.
richhotrain Corey, you are right. That Walthers link that Jim provided earlier is for Code 100 crossings that are 9.5 degrees. A search of Walthers did not turn up any Code 83 crossings that are 9.5 degrees.
At this point I would begin to look at double slip switches.