Okay, Who Models Expansion Joints Like This On Their Layout?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hands up…You in the back there?

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2

I’ve heard them refered to as a Breather Switch, but not commonly in North America. Maybe a recent term.

Your photo almost looks like harper’s Ferry, WV? Amtrak had a bad derailment on the former B&O in Kensington, MD in 2002, due to a sun kink.

Cheers, Ed

3

No that I recall on a railroad.

The only expansion joints that I know of is on cruise ships.

4

No plans to model it.

5

I haven’t modeled this in the past and don’t plan to.

But it would be a nice detail to add.

Paul

6

I’m sorry but that looks more like a derail. Breather switch would be on both rails and not have a throw bar. There must be something behind the photographer that needs protection from runaways or inattentive crews.

Pete

7

Sorry but I take that back. It is an expansion section. Had to look again. My eyes are as old as me and my medication sometimes messes with them.

Pete

8

Well, I must admit that is a new one for me. I wonder how far back this design goes?

I model 1954…

Sheldon

9

Never heard of it. The only expansion joints I know about is used in concrete construction.

Mike.

10

Nope. Mainline at Magnolia WV. The pictures turned up on the B&O historical society the other day. The throw is to bend the rail into place if the track circuit breaks.