I need to make a crossover in the tracks that serve a coal loader as short as possible. It has to accomodate 50’ hoppers and 4-axle diesels - switching speed only. Track center spacing is 2.25". What are the sharpest turnouts you have successfully made a crossover with?
My one and only crossover is made with 2 Atlas Customline #4 turnouts. Track spacing is 2 5/8" center to center. I probably could have gone to a closer spacing. It works well with my 4 axle power.
Joe
How short does it need to be ?
Rich
I would make it out of #4’s if someone would tell me they’ve done it and didn’t regret it.
Carl, a #4 crossover will work, but not for every loco or piece of rolling stock, freight or passenger. A lot depends upon the wheelbase and the coupler setup.
On the other hand, a #6 crossover will work with just about anything.
Peco turnouts are only 9 inches long, so a Peco #6 crossover only takes up 18 inches.
That is why I asked how much space, or how little space, you can devote to the crossover.
Rich
I decided to do it like this:
[URL=http://s1361.photobucket.com/user/carlw425/media/LoaderTracks_zps72405908.jpg.html]
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This is a coal loader. The idea was to maximize the capacity on the tracks for loads and empties. Instead of pushing the envelope on S-curves by making the crossovers out of sharp turnouts, I moved it off the straight to the corner.