Looking for input on the pros and cons of different size crossovers for my High Rail layout (I do not use Kadee couplers). I use all Ross switches. I have a 3 rail double track mainline that has a 64” long straight section where I need to add a crossover (see drawing). I originally was not going to have any switches in this area, but I found I need this crossover to allow single track operation when one of the tracks is being used to switch some industries. The primary use of the crossover will be trains coming from the right on the inner loop and crossing over to the outer loop and proceeding off to the left.
Using the #8 switches, I have an S curve with only 10.2” between the O-81 curve and the start of the switch, which may be tight for my 21 inch passenger cars. Fortunately, the #8 crossing is not as sharp as the #6 so this may not be an issue.
Using the #6 switches, I have an S curve but the straight track between the O-81 curve and the switch is now 20.8”, which the 21” cars should handle. However, the #6 crossing is sharper than a #8 which may be worse than the S curve above.
For those of you that run scale length equipment with 3-rail trucks and couplers, which setup would give me the least problems? Thanks.
(ADDED: prefer not to us a curved switch. A #6's inside curve of O-72 is too small, and putting in a #8 is too large and messes up the curve coming in from the right.)
