HO TRACK SWITCHES

[Anonymous]

NTLY CONSTRUCTING A NEW HO SCAL LAYOUT AND WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE A CROSSOVER FROM ON TRACK TO ANOTHER USING ATLAS CODE #100 #6 SWITCHES. CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT ATLAS CROSSING WOULD BE USED TO CONNECT THE FOUR SWITCHES . THANKS.

[dehusman]

You don't need a crossing for a double or "universal" crossover. You can just use the four switches.

If you absolutely have to overlap the crossovers to for a "scissors" crossover, I believe the 12 1/2 degree crossing will work, but you'll either thave to widen your track centers over 2 inches or trim the switches/crossing to fit the diamond between the switches.

Scissors crossovers are very rare. Most sets of crossovers on the prototypes are the univeral crossover type, a left hand crossover followed by a right hand crossover (or vice versa).

[Anonymous]

Use 2 LH and 2 RH #6 switches, a 19º crossing and add 2" sections between the straight through tracks. This gives you 3" track centers.

[Anonymous]

Or buy a premade double slip which is in the price range of 4 swithces, 4 machines, a crossover, and the track and wire. It's what you are making plus it looks cooler than doing it with snap switches. FRED.

[cacole]

If you want to make this double crossover take up less room lengthwise, you can use Peco medium turnouts, which are equivalent to Atlas #6 but shorter, and a Peco crossover. This could save you about 4 inches or more in required length. Peco turnouts cost more than Atlas, but are made better. Peco also allow your tracks to be closer together.