Hello all,
Does anyone use Derailing Switches on their layout?
I just got a copy of Railway Track And Maintenance; E.E. Russell Tratman, National Model Railroad Association Publishing, 3rd printing 20016.
On page 116-17 these devices are discussed:
"To prevent a car or train on a sidetrack from standing foul of, or running onto, the main track, a derailing switch with stub or point rail may be placed in the outer rail of the siding. This derail is interlocked with the switch and is opened (so as to send a car off the track) when the switch is set for the main track." Or, do you just lay bad track??? !!!
Any thoughts?
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
I am surprised they actually manufacture that track in your link. Maybe put some gasoline in your tank car so you get a realistic fire?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
A few folks use cosmetic Derails in their modeling. There are a variety of Derails on the prototype. HO cosmetic models are/were available from Tomar, Osborn, Precision Scale, and probably others.
PECO makes a similar working component in HO, as you linked.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
My prototype used a full-blown crossover at the departure end of every platform track where the directional platform tracks narrowed to single. Departing trains that had been cleared (crossover points aligned and start signal clear) took the curved crossover route. At all other times the points were aligned for the straight route - into a pile of gravel about ten meters long and axle deep to a 36 inch wheel.
Derailment points weren't intended to deal with a train running at track speed. They were meant to put one or two axles of a slow-moving car on the ties to prevent it from wandering off and causing havoc.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Hi, Here in the UK these are common on the prototype and Peco make some as already mentioned:
http://www.peco-uk.com/imageselector/Files/Track-templates/SL-84,85.pdf
Regards Jon.
I don't know if anyone models them, but there is one just two blocks away from me on the W&LE mainline. About a year ago an engine got loose from the yard about a half-mile away and hit it. I drove past not long after and was surprised to see an SD40-2 sitting in a pile of gravel off the mainline. So they are around and still being used.
Jim
tomikawaTTDerailment points weren't intended to deal with a train running at track speed.
I completely agree Chuck!
In the same section; Pg.17, Railway Track And Maintenance; E.E. Russell Tratman, National Model Railroad Association Publishing, 3rd printing 20016.
"The signal section of the A.R.A. has taken the position that derails should not be used in main tracks, except where required by law or by order of national or state authorities."
Thank you for all your responses.
Hope this helps.
"Derails" or "Derailers" are usually devices that go over the rail head and direct a wheelset off the track....https://www.aldonco.com/Shared/images/Product/4014-01.jpg
.... and are a different thing to a "derailing switch" or "catch point", though generally the end result is similar,
For those that like to emulate prototype industrial switching should allow 5 seconds for the switchman to unlock and line the derail for the move and again after the completion of the work to close and lock the derail..
For fun information. You use a switch stand to open or close a derail. The lock is your standard switch lock.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
There are two basic types of derails, the split point derail (which may be one or two points) and the frog type (which may be power or manually operating.) The split point type looks like a switch without a frog and directs the cars to the field side (side away from the main track). The frog type is usually a metal casting or device that fits over the rail and forces the wheel/flange up over the rail and to the field side, derailing the cars.
In US practice most tracks that is used to store or spot cars has a derail, usually a frog type. Passing sidings generally do NOT have a derail, unless the siding is on a steep grade. A derail in a main track would be incredibly rare (other than in advance of a draw or lift span bridge, or some interlockings).
In CTC (or interlockings), derails in tracks connected to a power switch may be interlocked with the power switch and operated by the dispatcher or control operator.
Under Federal law you cannot tie up an engine/train in a track that is not protected by a derail or a switch connected to a signal system.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
dehusmanUnder Federal law you cannot tie up an engine/train in a track that is not protected by a derail or a switch connected to a signal system.
There may be exceptions to that rule..The various short lines I have visited over the years the crew just shut their engine down,removed the reverser handle, set the hand brake, locked the cab and went home after signing off.