Unusual homemade turnout

I've seen homemade versions of this by others, and considering doing it myself, but it was easier just to buy a switch.  It's used to create a reversing loop and, if well made, works quite well: but they are harder to make than one would think - study the cuts and grooves the person had to make and you will appreciate it took quite a while to get it good enough to work smoothly.

I'd say someone was trying to make a homemade switch, but it looks like they quit when they say how much work it was.  Just from the that image it looks like rollers would get stuck.  Maybe an old shoe locomotive might work, but the inside curve isn't complete, so I don't see how a train could even use it.

How can it enter from the curve? The inner curveed rail would drop the flange outside?

Would also make a poor dummy switch unless the curved rail splitting the straight track is insulated as the pickups would short out against it rolling straight.

Actually, until I studied the photo more closely...looking at the rail cuts as Lee suggested...I had a different perspective on this type of 'turnout/switch'.

 

My FIRST thought:  I've seen this done on several vintage layouts...maybe none currently...where there was a desire for a siding with a permanently-parked car and no desire for operational transfer (pick-up/drop-off).  Some of the layouts I remember had such a siding/car where there was an operating accessory interacting with the car.  One example was the 3656 cattle car/stockpens...a feisty, finicky accessory which, once fine-tuned and positioned, has the best chance for repetitive success if the car never moves.

 

The trackwork at Roadside America, as I recall was one such place where they featured 'quasi-switches' (Dad called them crazy-switches!).  I believe the Train Barn (now gone) in Kalamazoo, MI was another layout featuring these.  I think it's a cool concept...switches-without-expense-or-bother, if you will.

 

Anyhow, having studied the photo more closely, I agree with those who suggest this would work for a train entering the straight from the curved leg.  But, without moveable points, I can't fathom how a train could enter the curved leg from the straight main.

 

Very interesting, indeed.  Thanks for sharing with us! 

 

KD

Hi Lee,
Your theory on the reversing loop makes a lot of sense.
Unlike my reversing loop using manual Fastrack switch,
Back in the conventional days, an end of the line reversing loop without non derailing features would require someone manning the switch at all times.

Assuming the operator was using and older Loco with either one slide shoe or roller pickup, you would not short on the outer rails urging the crossover.
Just no power so would be coasting.
And since it is primarily for reversing, there is no real need to enter the loop from both directions.