Hi all, I wonder where the real railroads use double slip crossovers, I think they are quit expencive and when they use it they have a good reason. Just wondering.(hope I am in the right group with this question) Paul
Here in The States double-slip x-overs could be found usually at major train stations like Union Station in Chicago, Grand Central & Penn Stations in NYC and the Long Island RR Jamica Station, places where room is tight & tracks are plentiful! Here in Detroit New York Central's West Detroit Tower had quite a few as it was the junction point of the north-south Toledo, Ohio to Bay City, Mi main intersecting the east/west Chicago, Ill - Buffalo, NY main lines as well as the entrance to Junction Yard then the largest yard in the Detroit area. Railroads used them only as a last resort due to high maintaince cost
Like Fred said - when the Real Estate costs are higher than the maintance costs, thats when slip switches go in. Union Station in Chicago has heaps of the things. Too keep them from freezing up in the winter, the points are heated - it looks like they are on fire when the heaters are going. Anyone know what they use? Is it natural gas? And if you use them on your layout - remember how the real RRs operate over them - VERY SLOW! The best way to avoide a slip switch derailment.
As posted earlier double slips are usually used where there is limited space for ladder crossovers. They are highly maintenance intensive and require lots of tender loving care (Prototype) . Having worked on them and so has GATS I can atest to there complexitiy. I once worked 16 hours on commissioning a new double slip turnout in preperation for the 2000 Olympics. I have never seen them in N scale although I'm sure someone has scrathcbuilt them. Dont think i'd like to have them on my layout as they would be difficult to install and keep them operating reliabily.
The throat into Torontos Union station has numerous double and single slip switches. The reason is the narrow strip the railroad occupies between the city and the waterfront. In winter it is not unusual to see the maintenace crew out there with kerosene fed torches to keep the switches free of ice. I was so fascinated by them that I made a couple of them in N gauge. Tricky to do and I had difficulty in getting them to work reliably and ended up scrapping them as they were as high in maintenance as the real ones. No fun even though they looked good. [ 30 November 2001: Message edited by: Robin Matthysen ]</p>
On special turnouts. I got a question. I have a spot where I could use triple turnouts (3 way) on my layout. You all know i'm HO so.... anyone have experience with the 3 way turnouts?????
Almost every switch in Grand Central Terminal below 54th street were double-slips. This included both the upper and lower levels. I would estimate there were at least 50 of them, if not closer to 100. A GCT expert can check me on these numbers.
John, I have used a Peco three way turnout, it works great. I used their motors which attach to the ties, and wiring consists only of the wires to throw the machine, no other leads to the rails are needed. I'm not thrilled with its looks, but it is hidden so it doesn't matter. Gary
Gary, I'll have to look into this somewhat. I got 3 places I can put to good use a 3 way turnout. Question is do they preform well and all. Any derailments etc? Looks for me is the fact of moving the solenoid... Under the table. I don't like the tie mount type... I have any cars or loco pilots to over hang and they always seem to catch the turnout motor if their off to the side so... I mount most of mine under the table and this also makes it more realistic as well so...
John, Peco turnouts have their machines mounted underneath, out of sight. By tie mounted, i meant that there are slots in the ties that you pass the sheet metal tabs of the machine thru, then bend over. Installation is about as easy as it gets. just make a hole beneath the points to clear the machine. peco's are very reliable, I've had no derailment problems. However, I know you're into those big articulateds, you will want to see if their long wheelbase will operate thru them. I don't recall if Peco makes them in two sizes. Mine is pretty small, probably #5 or so. Gary
Gary, If i'm right I believe they would be like regular turnouts, No.4's .... My articulated steamers run right through the regular right or left no. 4 turnouts so.. they should work pretty well on the 3 way turnouts... I run no.6's left and right handed ones on my main lines and all and no.4's in my yards and the articulateds run through the 4's decently without problems and all so... I believe they'll work pretty good.... [ 06 December 2001: Message edited by: 7600EM_1 ]</p>
John, I have some 3-way switches from (Shinohara / Lambert ) both code 70 & code 100, I use Caboose Hobbies hand throws, been on the layout over 15 years, work just fine, are power routed so they are good around frt yards or engine facilities
Fred, Thats where I'll be using my 3 ways, in engine facilities.... I'm doing a 5 foot by 6 to 7 foot engine facility, and the tracks are going to be complicated and all so.. the use of three 3 ways switches will minumize the complexation of the track work for me...
