I have to built a junction where the track (branch) to the harbor district runs off the branch line. The problem, you see in the pic: Right part: If I use a left curved turnout, I have a smooth track. But the branch line takes the diverging way. Left part: If I use for the harbor line the diverging track there's some meandering track for through branch line trains. Any suggestions? Wolfgang
I'm not sure I understand the question, but I'll take a shot at it. Am I correct to assume the harbor district is to the left, while the branch line will take the right hand track on the first switch? The general rule is to keep S curves to a minimum. Your right picture will have one S curve for the harbor line (which is inevitable) and none for the branch line continuing on through the switch. The left picture shows an S for the branch line, as well as one for the harbor line. Based on that, I'd say the picture on the right is a better way to go. Does that help at all?
i think i got your question. from just the pics and the track you show, i like the 2nd pic. i don't know what the line leads to (at the bottom of the pics), but i like the right half of the pic. you do have that one ess there, but its not bad...its a very smooth ess, and it comes off a straight so i think you'll be o.k.
William, it's the other case. In the right picture the branch line goes to the left, the diverging route. And the track to harbor district goes straight and then down . In the left picture the branch line takes the straight route and the track to harbor district the diverging route. But I have an S-curve. The line at the bottom - the pen drawn line - is the branch line and comes from Third Street District a sharp curve. (61cm = 24'') Wolfgang [ 11. February 2005, 11:39: Message edited by: Wolfgang Dudler ]
The pic on the right just flows better. I would believe that the prototype guys would probably use a similar design also, but the turnout sizes would probably be a lot larger through the first switch.....Mike
These are the new code 83 Peco turnouts, #6 So you have a bigger radius with the turnout than in the curve before. Wolfgang
Usually a railroad will try to run the most trafficed route though the 'straight' leg of a switch, but sometimes the 'thru' route will take the diverging route(like in a line relocation). The RH photo 'flows' better, and does not have that 'reverse' hook that might cause some tracking problems I have a jct between my mainline route and a branchline - I used a 'curved' turnout so that everything 'flowed' very nice. It also allowed me to build a 'wye' at the jct so I could turn helper engines as needed. Jim Bernier
Now, I've finished the trackwork with the junction. The picture shows Extra 1024 west from Harbor District on its way to Westport via Third Street District. The train has just stoped in front of the switch and the conductor (or brakeman ?) is walking to throw the switch. Then the train can pass the switch, realign the switch for the branch line and continue its journey. You see, the first two turnouts have their manual device. Wolfgang
