Ross 4 way yard switch

I imagine that their website would tell you that...

The over all length is 26 1/2"

The widest point is 10"

Steve C.

Thanks. Exactly what I wanted to know!  I did check their site but couldn't find that information.  

The Regular Ross 4-way[#170]--mine is 10"w.x 24" long- is much shorter that the one advertised and pictured in OGR as a  "Yard 4-way"[#171].

I just use mine in a very small Service Yard with Enginehouse and several Towers; coaling, water, sand,ash dump/lift,switching, diesel fueling...

As the picture shows, it is 10 inches wide, BUT, you have to put a small curve on the two outside tracks to make them parallel, which would increase the length. I measure mine and the width of 4 tracks is about 13 inches, outer edge of the tie to outer edge of tie.

Dan

Thanks.  I really need to squeeze it in just under 12 inches.  no way to do that?

The two inside tracks are on 3 1/2 inch centers, and the curve for the outside tracks would bring them to 3 1/2 inch track center. I'm not sure if you can make it anyless.

How about a 3 way switch. I measure mine, but it is on an odd curve, but it will coming at less than 10 inches wide.

Dan

What if I used a buch of #4 turnouts?  Could I get it narrower?  

Ross has full size pdf files of all of their turnouts.  Just download one and print it out.  You will have to cut and paste (scissors and tape) them. 

http://www.rossswitches.com/products/switchfiles.html

Nathan

J,

The #4 switches still give you 3-1/2" center to center so you will not get under 12" that way.  Plus the length would increase enormously.

Joe

I mocked it up in RR Tracks 4 and it looks like I can using Gargraves Flex track.  Engines will never run across the 4 way, just freight cars being pushed by 2 switchers with 3 idler cars between the freight cars I am loading onto the ferry and the engine itself.  I am not too worried if the curves are pretty tight.

Good deal.  Are you going to stage cars on the leads waiting to be loaded or are you using the leads just to access the ferry?  If you're storing cars on the leads then you may be able to run your switcher across the four way.

I mean if you're not storing cars on the leads.

No storing cars on the leads.  

"Good deal" indeed, it appears that you have it worked out. As shown in a prior photo, I also used Gargraves Flex to adjust and align with the center of my Enginehouse doors --spaced 5-1/2" apart O.C.

I had no problem running 2-8-2s and 4-6-2s, through my Ross 4-way , as well as the big N&W 4-8-2 "Water Buffalo", on back to the Service Towers. 

I agree that you should be able to do it.  The bottom track in your mockup shows a bit of a kink where it attaches to the 4 way, but a car should traverse it fine at the expected low speeds.  I was able to back a 4-12-2 through mine (it is not pretty, but it makes it going slowly).  If you print off the RCS template for the four way, you can mock up the flex tracks in 1:1.

I had one for about eight years but never had room for it. Now after all this time I have room. Can't wait to get it in the new yard. Don