Model Forum / General / Railroads / July 2005

Leave out the insulated joiner and just leave a wide enough gap to avoid the
rails expanding in high temperatures and closing the gap.  I've successfully
avoided this happening in the past by put a small dab of epoxy adhesive
between the two rails that are to be isolated from each other.

It's known as a scissors crossing.  Don't know that I can ever recall seeing
one in the UK.

I'm running DCC successfully without modifying Peco code 75 Electrofrog
point in any way.

John.

What layout? You haven't said.

(kim)

   I've used insulated rail joiners at various places around my layout,
also some cut rail isolations, and have never had any problems with rail
height differences at the insulated joiners. Have you cut away the sleepers
to clear the joiners, remember that these are thicker than the ordinary
metal rail joiners.
   Scissors crossings can be seen at some places on the Melbourne tram
network, but that isn't a railway.
                   Regards,
                                           Bill.

...

Have a look at http://www.wiringfordcc.com/switches_peco.htm#a2
although many people refer to the bonding of switch and stock rails as
a modification to be DCC friendly it has long been considered 'good
practise' with conventianal, e.g. DC, traction supply, so do it before
laying the track and there'll be no change required for DCC.

Of course this does require use of some form of switch to change the
power feed to the turnout frog, but again this has long been
considered 'good practise' on the grounds of reliability (please lets
not have hundreds of posts stating "I don't do this and have never had
any problems", I didn't say it was essential but just a good idea :-).

If you go for this wiring I'd also recommend getting rid of the little
contact tabs on the underside of the switch rails as these will no
longer be needed and I have had difficulties with them being fould by
ballast that gets into the gap under the stock rail.

Alternatively this whole modification is done to avoid problems of
unreliable contact between switch and stock rails plus short circuits
from wheels with to small a back to back gap.  If you're confident
these won't be a problem and you always insulate the turnout frog when
power can be fed into the heel rather than the toe then you don't
really need to do anything at all.

The message <1122679206.882938.190200@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>
from "Andrew" <andrewas@gmail.com> contains these words:

Chester (General) had two scissors cross-overs joining the Up through
and Up Platform lines, and the Down Through and Down Platform lines,
respectively.  The cross-overs were sited half-way (-ish) along the
platorms, effectively turning two long platforms into four shorter ones
thus increasing the station capacity.  The cross-overs had their own
signal box which appeared to be balanced precariously on the dividing
wall betwen the two parts of the station - the gap where the box fitted
is still to be seen.

The scissors crossings were taken out some years ago, but a single
crossover is still in use enabling a train to use the N.Wales end of
platform 3 even if the Crewe end of the platform is occupied.  The
platform edge is slightly cut away to allow coaching stock to use the
cross-over, but I don't think anyone would try putting one of the
preserved steam locos which use the station over it.

Visited their show today, though Fareham was very busy with other things
going on, well worth the time, clubs layouts looking good, even the WIPs
(why do so many people refuse to show a WIP, I learn something new
everytime I watch others building/wiring layouts).

Bought a few bits from the traders, not too busy so really friendly,
unlike some larger shows, might even go back tommorow with the boys!

Niel.