3 Track Tunnel?

Check out Oscawana Tunnel in Westchester County, New York.

MELGAR

T4TT posted:

After a bit of time googling and coming up empty I am either not using the best keywords or there are/were no tunnels with three tracks running through them.  I am modeling the 40's-50's.  Were three track tunnels not utilized?  I am betting the expense of widening the tunnel would have made it cost prohibitive.  

I am designing my next layout and a 3 track tunnel would help me hide the switches that run down to the lower level while maintaining my passing siding. 

Thanks for any information or pics.

Correct, just like rr bridges, most are two track tunnels and a single tunnel next to it.

It's your railroad, your layout, do what you want or need to make it work, for you! Not everything needs to have a prototype, it might just look fantastic when your finished with the project.

Rusty

If your railroad needs three tracks through a tunnel, I don't see any reason why you shouldn't build it that way. You can use two portals for the three tracks. Again, check out Oscawana Tunnel.

MELGAR

MELGAR posted:

If your railroad needs three tracks through a tunnel, I don't see any reason why you shouldn't build it that way. You can use two portals for the three tracks. Again, check out Oscawana Tunnel.

MELGAR

I did and IT's Two tunnels, ONe with two tracks and another with one track. I believe at one time Both tunnels had Two tracks in each of them.

Here's a triple track portal with a single along side. If it works for your layout, go for it!!

T4TT posted:

After a bit of time googling and coming up empty I am either not using the best keywords or there are/were no tunnels with three tracks running through them.  I am modeling the 40's-50's.  Were three track tunnels not utilized?  I am betting the expense of widening the tunnel would have made it cost prohibitive.  

I am designing my next layout and a 3 track tunnel would help me hide the switches that run down to the lower level while maintaining my passing siding. 

Thanks for any information or pics.

If you are going to hide switches in a tunnel, be sure that you can get to them and their switch machines for maintenance.  The hidden ones are the ones that will have problems!  (A well-known Murphy's Law variation.)

I think the Erie tunnel in Bergen, NJ has at least three tracks.

I would make the mountain "top" of the tunnel out of lightweight foam and a removable section, so you can address issues with the switch tracks when they arise.  It seems that pins or pegs in the bottom of the tunnel, along with corresponding holes in the platform surface would make it easy to remove and replace for troubleshooting.  My $.02.

Here's mine:

s

I think that it is a good idea to avoid three tracks side-by-side in the same portal--makes it harder to get a good "into the dark" look.  (the thing on the left is not a fourth tunnel entrance--it is a partly-underground trolley shed).

Ted S posted:

I think the Erie tunnel in Bergen, NJ has at least three tracks.

I would make the mountain "top" of the tunnel out of lightweight foam and a removable section, so you can address issues with the switch tracks when they arise.  It seems that pins or pegs in the bottom of the tunnel, along with corresponding holes in the platform surface would make it easy to remove and replace for troubleshooting.  My $.02.

sorry but its just two tracks if you google it...

T4TT...It looks like kitbash time for you! And i enjoyed Bobs advice about a pop top hill/mountain to make access to said switch easier. And you could brag about moving mountains!  Or not!

A guess; the structural needs weren't as cost effective for 3x wide tunnels and it was.cheaper, easier, safer, etc, for John Henry to dig two smaller ones.

Plus,.should one collapse somewhere,maybe there is still some traffic going thru the other.

TFTT;   I just emailed to you a photo of a triple tunnel from an unspecified geo location.   

If others would search for "Railways of Germany   English    triple track tunnel" and slide down the page you will see a fantastic prototypical triple tunnel.    Also some nice three track model examples.   I have the photo but can not post it per copyright rules.

Due to the oblong / oval nature of a three track tunnel it would rise well above the typical 6" clearance used by many.