Switches (turnouts) in tunnels

I would feel a bit better if I had Ross switches in your tunnel than Gargraves.  Sounds like you are OK with it.  We all have to do what we have to do to buy space.  Every layout has something we would be happy if we could have done it another way.  

 

I do not know if real railroads pass on tunnel switches.  The only guy I know that could give an accurate answer would be Rich Melvin.

The B&O across the Potomac east of Harpers Ferry West Virginia

Not only Harpers Ferry but there are switches in the tunnel under Washington's Union Station. I'm sure Grand Central/Penn in New York and other big stations have switches in tunnels as well. 

Yeah:  As I mentioned, I am aware that terminals, such as Grand Central or Penn Station, do have switches in their approach tunnels, but I was referring to main lines away from the congestion.  That B&O in Harper's Ferry sounds like it could be one.  Been a lot of years since I was there and I don't remember it.  Be interesting to see it, again.   How is that switch operated?

 

Paul F

Rich, any input when you can..

 

Thanks in advance,

With a derailment more likely to occur on a turnout rather than straight track it would seem unlikely. Would a tunnel then have to have provision for a person to be caught at that spot mid tunnel? Interesting question. Had a layout with 3 switches in tunnels...

I imagine it has been done somewhere, at some time, in the real world: nearly everything has . . . but the fact that it is uncommon probably tells you of the wisdom and practicality of it.  

 

But on a model RR layout it is an appealing step that "fixes" a lot of otherwise insurmountable track-routing problems.  I have several switches installed or planned in "tunnels" but all are under mountains with lots of room around them and room to (uncomfortably) crawl under the layout to repair, or more likely, re-rail locos, etc.  On 

I was with you last night when you mentioned that. Marty is right here. If you have an area that is hard to get to then if you still need a switch in there I would opt for a Ross because it is quality and also less chance of or no derailments at all. I tried to Google but could not find any switches in tunnels other then model train layouts and of course subways. But those are two different situations. Railroads have a lot more cars going through them then subways................Paul

Yes, Harper's Ferry along the Potomac.  From the tunnel, these two diverging bridges cross the Potomac River.  The left bridge has a walkway, where those riding the bike trail, can access Harper's Ferry.  The Appalachian Trail can also be accessed in this area.

 Single track and bridge with the walking deck is to the left in this picture.  Three track portal this end, two track portal other end of the tunnel.

It has been done, but from a maintenance/operation perspective it's not desirable. On a model, it can be more problematic so it needs to be done judiciously.

My new layout will have 2 on the upper level.  I plan to build access from the back of the layout and will splurge for Ross switches instead of Atlas inside the tunnel/hill.

-Greg

Ya' gotta' do what ya' gotta' do, BUT, that's like leaving your 16 year old daughter go out with a 20 year old guy; you can do it but you're asking for trouble (sooner or later), and Murphy's law is going to happen (personally, I think Murphy was an optimists!).  

A train will derail usually when other railroaders are around, and, later, it will work perfectly well, causing you to question your legitimacy when your parents conceived you!  I remember when I was a kid, my dad always used the vernacular version!

PRR2818:

MikCT posted the answer to your question. I imagine the switch is operated remotely by a dispatcher. 

 

I have some hidden switches on my layout. I created removable scenery sections for access in case of a mishap. Surprisingly they I have little problems with them.