You can build a hand laid 3 way N Scale CD 80 Turnout using jigs from Fast Tracks. And I'm considering doing just that. But it is difficult and very costly work. Especially if dork it up. Does anyone know if any of the manufactures produce an N Scale 3 way CD 80 turnout for sale. Thanks See ya Ron
Years ago I think Atlas made one. I had one in my first layout in N, in the yard, in the 1970's. But I'll be honest, it made me crazy. It was two single-point turnouts with a long flange-contact thing on both sides. It would, or could, stall anything dead in its tracks, literally. And it made me so I'd never try THAT again..!
I'm pretty sure Arnold and/or Roco made them...like, fifteen years ago. I have a vague memory of seeing them in the Walthers catalog. I'm not sure if that's correct, or if they can still be gotten.
I don't know if this means you can actually get it, but... http://www.roco.com/prodDetails.aspx?item=22247
Thanks everyone for your help and advise. I'll look into these and see what I can find out. Even if the price is right but you can't resolve the stalling then it's not worth it. And Fast Tracks though more expensive may be the better buy. I'll also check into the stall factor. I never even considered it. Thanks See ya Ron
Same here. Had an ancient Atlas 3-way in my first layout in the 70s. Also stalled just about anything unless the train was hurtling fast enough to coast through the worst of it--and then it would usually derail. Wow, what a flash-back...
Jim Noveroske posted this yesterday...I don't read japanese, but obviously someone does have a 3 way out. http://www.tomytec.co.jp/tomix/products/n/1261-2.htm
The Atlas 3-way was made for them by Roco. I wouldn't go out of my way to find either one of them. The Shinohara (if you can find one through Con-Cor or Walthers) is OK. I have one and it doesn't give me any problems.
English translation of Tomix switch MRL Dave I have pasted in the english translation of the tomix 3 point switch. Jim Item turn Item name Price (substance price) 1261 Electromotive 3 one point N-PRL541/280-15(F) 5,145（4,900） 1262 Electromotive 3 one point N-PLR541/280-15(F) 5,145（4,900） Feature ● The ultimate economical space point which has the function of 2 responsibilities of the left point and the right point with 1, diverges in 3 directions ● N actualizing the complete interior of electromotive change unit gauge worldwide for the first time and inside 3 one point roadbeds ● Complete selective system, full specifications specification of spring functional loading ● To express the ballast and the wooden railroad tie in paint, real appearance ● Simple secure connection Functional explanation ● It advances straight with 1, diverges in 3 directions the left and the right ● It can diverge in 3 line double tracks of double track interval 37mm by left and right each divergence first connecting C541-15 to the S letter, in the distance of 280mm, ● <1261> the right (curve radius 541mm), the left (curve radius 280mm) it diverges first next <1262> the left (curve radius 541mm), the right (curve radius 280mm) it diverges first next ● The left and right point slipping, with divergence type of the shape which is piled up to one, because it can handle, as two separate points which is 1 places to understand you can use handling easily simply. ● 3 directions loading the spring point function which can be passed even from non being open to traffic side entirely ● Electrification the complete selective system which is changed to 3 directions completely ※ It operates, power unit N and the point control box N 2 unit are necessary Set contents <1261> Electromotive 3 one point N-PRL541/280-15(F) ×1 <1262> Electromotive 3 one point N-PLR541/280-15(F) ×1 <Common accessory> ● Dummy point motor runner ×2 ● Dummy point change machine runner ×2 ● Dummy point change machine stand ×2 ● Dummy point change machine seal ×1 Packing form Suspended type blister package Related product All the fine track/truck products <<< TOMIX TOP 2007.5.8
Careful on what kind of 3-way turnout that you end up with. The ROCO and Tomix look good and most likely work OK, but it looks to me like both types have PLASTIC FROGS. You will have no power at the frogs, and with slow switching speeds, you'll have stalls. Beside to me the ROCO and TOMIX both don't look too prototypical either. On the prototype 3-way turnouts were VERY rare, most of the time you might find one coming off a hump yard lead going into the bowl. Too much of a maintenance hassle for the prototype. I've had several SHINOHARA 3-ways on the INDIANA RAILWAY for awhile, but I learned my lesson and will not have a 3-way turnout on the main line next time. The turnout, that FLASH BLACKMAN had posted an image of, is the SHINOHARA code 70 that I used. A good turnout, ALL METAL FROGS, no stalling, but a hassle to wire up.
I use A Shinohora on my layout. Had to search around for it though, found it at Roundhouse in Houston (a long way from home).
Ah yes, the not-so-fond memories! A long wheelbase loco going 90+ smph had about a 30% chance of making it through, anything slower or shorter would never go. The Tomix appears to be a somewhat improved design. The Roco units have both sets of points and both sets of frogs parallel with each other. This, along with the large plastic frogs creates huge dead areas. The big advantage is it makes for a shorter turnout. The Tomix has staggered points and slightly staggered frogs so a smaller dead area. The Shinohara (and the fastracks design) have much greater offset to the frogs. While this creates a longer turnout, it results in pretty decent performance.
this place carries european proto stuff, I found a page with track and they do carry a C80 three way: http://www.reynaulds.com/fleischmann/f_n_track.asp
Shinohara 3-way IMHO it's not worth the trouble. They're fairly expensive and generate seemingly random shorts from time to time. I have two of them, and I'd rather replace them, but the price tag still hurts tto much to do just that. Michael
I occasionally see a short circuit on my Shinohara 3-way. So far, every case has been traced to wheels out of gauge (usually too narrow). Correcting the gauge eliminates the random short circuits.
