N Scale: Kato double crossover.

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi guys,

I have 3 Double Crossover Turnout in my layout…(3 X 7 with three oval ground track and one up and over. I yard in the middle. All Kato unitrack).

In one of the crossout, the cars jump over at speed over 60% of the jog dial. There is no fixed pattern that first, second or third car would jump over. Usually if half of the trains go over the crossing, they would all make it. Track alignment looks good to me. Is there anyone facing the same problem? any clues?

thanks :?:

2
  1. Check the guage of all wheel’s.
  2. Check the weight pf your cars.
    Bring these into standards with NMRA.

Crossings have gaps in the rails that create bounce. You may end up having to slow down. like the real RR’s do.

3

I have two Kato double crossovers and have been satisfied with them. I rarely have a derailment there but I may not be running trains as fast as you do. You may only need to slow down as Don Gibson suggests. Before I got the double crossovers, I tried to make a crossover with two No. 4 turnouts and found them very unsatisfactory. I don’t think they were designed right and had I many derailments with them. Larry

4

Thanks guys for your answers to my post. I agree with Larry that #4 are not the best choice for crossing. Double crossovers are better and economical.

Anyways, I will try to get started with Dons advice. Don could you please explain a bit. I have the Kato CoalPorters and Kato Unitracks (quite standard products in the industry) …do I still need to check with the NMRA gauge?

Thanks - Ani

5

YES. To find your problem you have to do a ‘Process Of Elimination’ - what is NOT causing it.

Use your NMRA gauge and get Scale (Postal or A Line) using NMRA recommendations, if you want to make a difference.

The gaps in your rail are causing ‘bounce’. Now how to you reduce it’s effect?