N scale 3 way turnout? Also ?'s on switch machines

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I was wondering if anyone makes a 3 way turnout in N scale? I sure hope so, it would save me some space and help make my sidings a lil longer for switching my coal tipple. Also, Could a Tortise (SP) switch machine switch such a beast, or would it have to be done manually?

2

Shinohara offers a 3-way “#6” turnout in N scale in Code 70. It shows this item available at Walthers, but I have not seen one in person. You should be able to use two switch machines (Tortoise motors or other types) to control it. One machine won’t do it because you are moving two different throwbars to route along the two diverging routes with this type of turnout.

Here’s a view of the turnout from a UK company I have never dealt with and I’m not recommending, but they do have a photo online (scroll down about half-way)
http://www.scalelink.co.uk/acatalog/Shinohara_Track___Pointwork__N____Aiguillages.html

By the way, a closer look at this turnout suggests that it’s about a #4 on one leg and a #6 on the other. Should not be a problem in your situation.

I have also seen custom-built examples of three-way stub turnouts, in which case a single machine might be required to work with some modifications. These would be the same sorts of modifications needed to use a Tortoise to power a three-way semaphore.

But the Shinohara 3-way turnout has two throwbars, so you’ll treat it like two turnouts from a switch machine or hand-throw standpoint.

Regards,

Byron

3

thanks, I figured someone made one. Now, I just have to figure out how to get it here. If i used two turnouts double headed, my sidings would be about 8 inches long, this way, I can make them close to 14, which should alow a pretty prototypical number of cars to be pushed under the tipple.

4

Depending on where “here” is, one can order direct from walthers or have a local hobby shop place the order.

BH

5

thats true, never thought of that. I figured Id have to go through the UK. Im glad I only have to buy one, theyre expensive.

6

Walthers distributes 3-way HO-scale turnouts from 4 manufacturers – BK Enterprises; Shinohara; Peco; and Walthers-Shinohara.

  • Shinohara are the cheapest at $38 USD (choice of code 70 or 100).

  • Peco are next … code 100 streamline medium radius insulfrog $42.99 USD
    or code 75 staggered 3-way electrofrog $49.99 USD

  • BK Enterprises are the most expensive… code 70 for $53 USD; code 83 or 100 for $55 USD.

  • The Walthers-Shinohara are sold out.

For N-scale, Walthers has only Shinoharas (code 70; # 6) for $38 USD. However, I am sure I have seen an N-scale Peco 3-way turnout.

If you want more info, click here…
http://walthers.com/exec/search?category=Track&scale=&manu=&item=&keywords=3-way+turnout&instock=Q&split=30&Submit=Search

7

I have a PECO factory “Catalogue” from England that is a year old. In that issue they do not offer 3-way turnouts in N-Scale. I wi***hey did, their products are superior. One caveat to offer: I’ve known a few others who tried to use 3-way turnouts with very little or no success. You can count on frequent derailments over the 3-way–especially when your engine is pushing a string of cars over the lesser of the two radii in the turnout. To minimize (but not eliminate) derailments, your cars must AT LEAST weigh-in at the NMRA recommended weight. An extra .1 or .2 ounces (in addition to the NMRA recommended weight) also helps a little. Metal wheelsets on the cars also helps. Whatever you do, get ready to use your right or left 0-5-0 frequently to put the cars back on the track! GOOD LUCK!!!