Using Crossovers, 45, 90 degree, etc.

There are some custom cut pieces to make this work.  I used an Atlas 45 degree and 60 degree cross.  There is one more 45 degree cross on the layout.

How do you like the Atlas Crossovers? Do the trains roll smooth thru them? Any electrical dead spots?

Hey Paul,

I would check the problem crossover for any bumps in the rail.  Maybe you just got a malformed crossover.  I bet if you call Steve at Ross he'll fix it right up for you.  Their customer service is top notch.

I just started making a few test runs on the tubular track I have installed. Have not tested engines as yet.  Only Trolleys !!  OK-the Trolleys don't seem to mind the 45-degreee crossovers.  But they hate the Lionel 90-deg crossovers.  They make nasty jumps and bumps and sometimes derail.  Your help with this problem is appreciated !

KRK

Lionel's 90 deg crossover is model 020.  There are two types of 020 crossovers:  prewar and post war.  The engine and cars use the flanges to minimize the bumps when they go through the crossover.  The flanges contact the bottom of the slots when the loco and cars go through the crossover.  Here is the issue.  Prewar cars and locos have larger flanges than post war cars and locos, and so some of the 020 crossovers have deeper slots than others.  If you run a prewar 020 crossover with post war cars and locos, the cars and locos will definitely bump somewhat going through the crossover.  Unfortunately, the crossovers all have the same model number.  I suggest you buy a few 020 crossovers and test them.  They are usually rather inexpensive.

I have used both Atlas and Ross crossovers - both worked nicely. I did have problems with the rollers hitting on the Ross crossovers so I modified them. I saw how to so that on line and then someone posted an article - Since then - no issues. I also called Ross and they provided hints to fix - adjust it - No issues - both smooth as silk

Contact Ross - maybe you have a bad section. 

K

OK-- I just replaced both O-ga crossovers (# 020) and things seem to run a lot smoother.  However, my Peter Witt streetcar from Williams wants no part of them.

Running thru an 022 or 072 switch seems OK but NOT an 020 crossover.  That's ok!

Any of Suzie's trolley collection that have a problem will be relegated to the trackage we plan on having on the second level !

Here's some recent photos.  We said to heck with roadbed after all.

KRK

On my layout I am using an old Lionel  22.5* crossover to get the correct turnout configuration to work.  I am puzzled why MTH and Lionel don't make this degree crossover.  Pretty sure Ross does but would require adapter pins to fit my tubular track.

My one troublesome Ross Crossover does have a defect that I didn't catch when installing; one side of the plastic diamond rises  up - is not flush with outer rails - this is causing the bump. I don't know if I can secure it down or not. I will call Ross.

I spent some time examining Atlas, Ross, and Fasttrack crossovers. The only ones I have actually tested are the Ross 45 degree, with results posted above. Ross does have a powered diamond middle section, Atlas does not. Fasttrack crossovers look nice and appear to have powered diamonds as well as additional powered rails t/o the crossover, but without actually taking it out of the package (I was at the hobby shop) and testing it I can't confirm.

Smoothness of operation and electrical conductivity is what's important to me. Watching a mainline steam engine bump up and down is not "neat" operations - nor having a train die out on one.

I use Ross O-72 switches with Atlas 22.5 cross overs on my mainline when tracks need to cross. 

Steve from Ross said I could try to fix the Crossing myself or send it back for replacement. Since it was already installed I gave it a shot. I secured the troublesome rising part with a 1x4 screw. Trains now travel smoothly thru it.