X crossings where trains cross over 2 different tracks----OK I understand how they work, my question is on a main line track, a switch (turnout) allows another train to enter the main line, is there a device like a switch (and an X crossing) that allows the train to enter without using a switch??? This could only work in one direction( out onto the main line) I know I’m not explaining this right, but maybe someone can tell me if something like this exists, or am I nuts?
I’m not sure if this is what you are asking, but have you looked into single slip or double slip switches? They are like a turnout and a crossing into one.
The single slip is close, my idea is a non moving, (sort of like like an X cross) that allows a train from a siding to enter another track without using a switch, see I told you I’m not sure of the question or the answer. I 'll try to find out more so I can ask a decent question.
It’s an interesting question but from your discription it sounds like you have a Y with two legs being the main line. You would need a turnout for the 3rd leg to enter the main line. I can see no way a train could come from two different tracks to run on a single track with out a turnout of some type as previously mentioned. (if this is what you are attempting)
Bob
In the situation you describe, where two lines converge, the railroads usually employ a “spring switch”. Which is just as it sounds, a switch which is constructed so that the points will move freely from route to route depending upon which track the train is approaching from. This differs from a regular switch in which the points are always locked into position, and a train approaching from the wrong direction will cause a derailment.
Something has to move. There is no such thing as a switch with no moving parts. Be it a switch, an wye switch a sip switch, whatever they all have moving points. Even stub switches have moving parts. Unless the train has controlled steerable trucks, where the moving parts are on the vehicle, the switch has to have moveable parts.
I think I know what you mean, An X but for 3connections not 4. I have not seen anything like that. Probably because as you say it would, if you got the geometry correct and I assume you could, it would allow only for one-way traffic as you said. If the need ever arose you could not back into the siding or maybe even back up the main. I’m sure you could hand lay something like that but (just curious) why? Or where you asking prototypical.
Todd
As stebbycntral says, spring switches. They were common on streetcar lines, but I never heard of them on main class 1 lines - possibly on short lines or logging/mining rr’s. My [2c]
Todd" That’s it exactly, a 3 connection X, it works only in one direction(entering the other track) and would backing up only go up the track straight and not up the line entering the connection? I wonder if there is such a thing? It would save me switching from a lone logging track to a main line without stopping(hand switch, you know) thanks for the thoughts. And for another, if this exists, what is it called???
SP used Spring switches on their main line between New Orleans and Lafayette, La. Now that BNSF has taken over operations, they are still there.
AHM used to make almost such a unit. I think they called it a one way switch. It had the same dimensions as an Atlas #4. The train could enter through either diverging track onto the single track. However, in the other direction it always took the diverging route. Its use was for a train set orbiting in one direction, but could then back into the siding to spot a car. One could not back through onto the straight section.
I have one sitting around somewhere. I do not know how it did it, as it has been at least 30 years since I looked at it. If my memory is correct there was one sprung point rail and two frogs. well one frog, and one frog looking piece where what would normally be the frog guard rail was the diverging rail.
I remember that AHM spring switch. My friend across the street had one on his layout when I was a kid, and it had a habit of derailing his cars rather than the cars forcing the point open. It was an interesting idea, and properly weighted cars might operate it without derailing, but it was probably made only in brass.
As for the crossover question, it’s just that: a cross over. The two lines never converge, so one train can’t move to the other line without the use of separate turnouts. Any switch requires moving points to guide the wheels from one track to another.
Spring switches were in common use on single-track lines of my prototype, because the platform tracks at stations were unidirectional. Spring switches (denoted by switchstands with a large white S on their blue position indicators) directed incoming trains to the appropriate platform, then allowed departing trains to resume their journey without having to take any action involving the switches. I will be modeling this at two of my stations once I build my way out of the underworld.
Class 1? My prototype was a national monopoly!
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with spring switches)