I have never used those X shape crossings on a layout before. But I have a place where one could work well, It seems a 19degree crossing would work. Are they a problem to use. Will they derail cars more or cause Engine stutter or stopping. I use Digital. Thanks for any info.
I have two Shinohara/Walthers code 83 crossings, a 90 degree and a 30 degree on my switching layout and they work fine. I run DCC. You will notice, unlike turnouts, you won’t find any marked “DCC friendly”. It doesn’t matter.
I made a Code 83 double crossover turnout using an Atlas 572 19° Crossover and I’ve never had a derail or power problem in it’s many years of service.
I cut up the turnouts and the crossover to fit my application, it works without any problems for me so a standard non hacked up 19° crossover will work for anyone.
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/2012/06/june-25-2012-my-double-crossover.html
Mel
Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield
I had a 30-degree Atlas crossing that was shorting out. I decided the crossing itself was defective. I replaced it with a Walthers and it’s been fine ever since.
Which brand are you considering?
Crossings work fine, but it really helps to add feeders to all four ends of these type of specialty track. Momentary shorts can occur where the rails converge, especially on the Peco crossings. Derailments should not be a problem, although I have experienced occasional problems where the wheels follow an unintended route over the crossing.
Rich
Thanks guys for all your help.
I had a similar experience with two Atlas code 100 crossovers. I fixed the short circuit issue with small strips of masking tape. A black marker made the tape pretty much un-noticeable. The tape lasted over 6 years!