I was thinking of using a double crossover to achieve a figure 8 on a double track dc layout. I wanted to use the kato version because it looks like the switches are pretty much hidden. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
i would think a double crossover on a model railroad would be appropriate under the same circumstances it would on the prototype. that is to say when space is at a premium go ahead and use it.
otherwise, two single crossovers accomplish the same thing while eliminating all those extra frogs in the diamond that require a lot of upkeep and repair while compromising operational dependability.
if your trackwork is perfect then that is not so much of an issue.
charlie
Could you post a trackplan, Could figure just what you’re trying to accomplish using a double crossover for a figure 8
he probably meant two reversing tracks like on this Atlas layout.
(without the terminal of course)
Here are links to a crossover and a double crossover.
Smile
Paul
Could the OP possibly mean something like this:
Ulrich, you may be right since he mentions a double track configuration, but that looks more like four crossings than a double crossover.
I wonder if he really means a figure 8 or if he is contemplating a dogbone layout.
Like others, I am curious just what he is trying to accomplish.
There are reverse polarity issues in that track diagram that you posted.
Crossings could avoid that problem but then you cannot change direction of the locos.
Rich
Yes i am contemplating a dogbone style. I am wondering how the polarity works on the double crossover.
Basically it would be one oval inside a larger oval with the double crossover connecting the two.
Here is the LION’s layout:
The trains leave VCP (Van Courtlandt Park 242nd Street) and vlrstly the stub terminal gets its power from either the in bound or the out bound tracks according to the position of the switches. All tracks in the crossover are electrically isolated and are powered by relays according to the position of the switches. There are rectifiers in the stub tracks so that an inbound train will stop, but an outbound train will receive power. That crossing is a Walthers/Shinoharra product and works reall well. Since those tracks are on an elevated structure with Broadway running below it the Tortoise switch machines are lined up agains the rear wall and are hidden inside of buildings with only the throw rods reaching out to the tracks.
The crossings at S9 (Smith 9th Street) are only single cross overs at this time, but are scheduled to be replaced with double crossovers “Somnetime in the Future”. The crossings at PPK (Prospect Park) are constructed from four Atlas switches and an Atlas crossing. The crossings between 14th Street and Chambers are pairs of single crossings back to back and are made of Atlas turnouts. All three of these crossing points are between pairs of uptown tracks and pairs of downtown tracks, co the current is in phase with no gaps required, since the entire layout is a single block (such as might be found in DCC although it is not DCC.)
If your two loops have traffic running in the same direction and in the same blocks then of course no gapping is needed, and even if they are in different blocks but moving in the same direction then it is no different from crossing between one block and another. If you were using DCC then you could keep the polarity of the two loops in sync. But if you are using DC with loops in opposite directions, well then you will need to adjust and gap track wiring accordingly. B
That all depends upon the track configuration.
I have two double crossovers on my layout, but neither one causes reverse polarity issues.
Reverse polarity usually occurs when the track folds back upon itself. The wiring of the rails becomes mismatched and that is when reverse polarity occurs.
Can you post your track diagram for us to view?
Rich
i will try to post it when i get home from work.