Ross 3-way & 4-way yard leads

Hello Gregg,

I installed a Ross 4-Way Yard Lead and it works incredibly well.  I have run my JLC Big Boy and my 4-10-2 through it with zero problems.  The articulated engines look really cool passing through it!  I mounted DZ2500s beneath the bench with switch lanterns on the opposite side of the motors.  If you are doing this here is a word of advice....be sure that the actuation of the switch light does not inhibit the range of motion of the points.  It is critical that the points move freely and rest snug to the outer rails.  I have spent more time getting the switch lights to properly pivot and indicate than I care to admit.  In the end te Ross Switches with the lights look amazing.  I have a 3-Way but have not installed it yet.  Let us know how it goes for you.

I would suggest using 4-way switches vs. 3-way. They are easier to operate.

doug

The four way switches are much better and easier to use.  We have six of them on our layout and everything runs smoth as silk through them.

With the  3 way you really have to watch the switch points, the switch motors have to be operated in order to get the proper track lined up. I use one at the service track where it is not used all that much, it does work well.

The 4 way is great.

Dan

I have the 4 way installed on my layout and it works perfectly. Mine has the DZ2500 machines and I use the data wire driver to operate them. I set the four tracks up as routes to avoid derailments.

I think [operationally] the three-way looks better. The problem is that operating the points is problematic because they can push against each other. I've seen prototype 3-way turnouts that have the points staggered which makes operation much easier since the points don't push against each other. If I needed a 3-way turnout, I'd cut down an 11-degree left and right pair.

The four-way is much easier to deal with, but you have that weird S-turn going to the two inside tracks. Despite this, I'd recommend the four-way turnout to get the most tracks in the shortest space. Note, your yard tracks will be spaced at 3.5" which is find for straight track, but you'll need to spread them apart if you have curves in your yard.

I have a six-track yard set (bought the full yard set but only used 6 tracks instead of 8), and some 3-way turnouts.  The 3-ways are stubborn and sometimes have to flick them a couple of times to get it aligned.

I was having point-bounce problems but determined I had the voltage for the turnouts too high.  It fixed most problems to lower the voltage but a couple of turnouts are problematic.

Only running the layout once a month or so makes the turnouts "sticky" when first firing it up.  After cycling all the turnouts 3-4 times the all work well.

I have the 4 way and the double slip switches on my layout and I have zero problems.

I had a 3-way on my layout, but pulled it out because I difficultly in backing my O-31 diecast hoppers through it.  I replaced it with two regular switches instead.  I have 19 regular Ross switches on the layout and have never had any issues with the regular switches, but the 3-way drove me batty!

Jim

I have 3 of the Ross 3 way switches on the layout and they are perfect.  I have no problems backing trains through them to reach the terminal.

Here is the only one I have in Photobucket at this time.  Great space saver and great operation.

I have Ross 3 way, 4 way and double slip switches on my layout.  As others have said, the 3 way and the 4 way are trouble free and smooth.  The double slip operates perfectly, but the logic of its operation and wiring is not intuitive and it is the most frequent source of operator error on the layout.  Additionally, there have been a couple locomotives that have had intermittent issues with the double slip.  So, even though the double slip is perfectly engineered, if I were designing a layout and could avoid the use of a double slip switch, I would.  That said, it does save an incredible amount of space.

I love my 4 ways!

Dave

Wow, thanks for all the great responses - this is very helpful.  Being new to O gauge, I will avoid the 3-way for now as it sounds a bit finicky in some situations.  Glad to hear the 4-way is smooth.  Great forum!

Musicians...

Pete

Ross 3way switch operation.