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ADDED LAYOUT JPGS & CORRECTIONS: Which Dbl-X-Over Style to go with: Ross 4ea. Regular 11’s or Ross Regular All-In-One X-Over?

R RWLOGR Forum Member

As I have mentioned several times, I am planning a new “Ross only Track and Switches”, layout which has an Inner Oval Loop and an Outer L-Shaped Loop with a Double Crossover between the two loops. 

I have the design set up, at present, with four of the Ross Regular 11 Degree switches, at Steve’s recommendation, in lieu of the 0-72 switches, because of the straighter transition with the Back to Back Reg 11’s, which avoids the exaggerated “S” of the Back to Back O-72’s. 

This causes me to have an approx. 120 degree turn into the “L” portion because the four switch configuration ends up a bit to long to allow a clean 90 degree right turn into the “L. 

I did this for cost reasons, as the manual switches go for $65.00 each, for a total of $260.00, and this over 90 degree turn is not by any means a show stopper for me. I have resigned myself to it with no heartburn over it. In fact it allows a narrower spot in the bench-work for me to get more direct access to a portion of my layout, although, I can get to it from the other side as well. 

The reason that I never considered an All-In-One Double Crossover is that I only ever saw the really long one, whidh goes for $520.00, just a bit steep for me, and too long besides. 

Now, However, I have discovered, and am considering the All-In-One Regular Double Crossover, as it is only 30ish inches long, and goes for $380.00, only $120.00 more than the four switch combo. 

My question is this: From a purely functional perspective, which would be the better, more robust, less problematic solution? Would it be the Four Regular 11 Degree Switches or the Regular All-In-One Crossover unit? 

I am thinking that if there was a problem with a switch, it would be only one switch, whereas if there was a problem with the All-In-One Crossover it would be a much larger issue. Much like an all in one sound system, where if one part breaks, the whole thing needs to be taken in for repaired, or replaced.

I know that we are taking about Ross equipment here, but I feel that one or the other is probably a better choice. 

Thanks for any and all comments, and for helping me with my Model Railroading Education,

Roger

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  • 1 - O-321 O-36 Reg 11 XOver 6 Spurs
  • 2 - O-321 O-36 Sgl XOver 6 Spurs
Last edited by RWL
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RS Rob ShaubachOGR Forum Member

Hey Roger,

I have the shorter double crossover on my layout and it works great -- never had any trouble running a variety of modern equipment through it.  Older Pre and Post War stuff has sliding contact shoes that can catch the frogs of the switches, but that can be worked around as well. 

Incidentally, I have recently begun dismantling my layout (many Ross switches and Gargraves track in favor of an all tinplate layout. So, if you're in the market for used, but still excellent condition Ross products, drop me a line. I've got a bunch of switches, the double crossover and 3 four-way yard switches. I'll be dealing in an attempt to liquidate all my scale products as I go more toy train.

I'm not selling because of any problems - love my Ross switches. In fact, I'll be using their awesome standard gauge switches on my new pike.

Have fun planning and building!

swiseswiseOGR Forum Member

I originally used the short double crossover on my layout.  I had problems with certain engines stalling through the crossover.  I even had it wired with relays so that the various rails are powered or not depending on the switch positions.  This is supposed to help keep power at enough places so engines don't stall.   Anyway, on my layout it was problematic, so I switched to the ross regular 11 degree switches.  Haven't had a problem since...

R RWLOGR Forum Member
swise posted:

I originally used the short double crossover on my layout.  I had problems with certain engines stalling through the crossover.  I even had it wired with relays so that the various rails are powered or not depending on the switch positions.  This is supposed to help keep power at enough places so engines don't stall.   Anyway, on my layout it was problematic, so I switched to the ross regular 11 degree switches.  Haven't had a problem since...

Thanks for that info. That is exactly the type of guidance I was looking for. I saw that those center diamond rails need to be wired with a relay, and that seemed a bit deep for me, and to find that even that can be problematic is what I needed to know.\

I am all about this as simple as I can withing the design that I have layed out. I want to play with trainsn not fight with my layout. That is why I am asking all of these questions here in the forums.

Thanks again,

Roger

CAPPilotCAPPilotOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Roger,

If I remember correctly, you layout used fairly tight turns.  I would not use the #8 double crossover; the regular crossover switches are similar to O-100s in curvature, plenty big for you.  If you go with using 4 separate switches, I would also consider Ross' #4 switches instead of their Regular switch.  The #4s are similar to O-72s.

Depending on how much you need to shorten the switch distance to get back to a 90 degree turn, you have other options.  Below is some examples of alternatives available to you.  The double crossovers will save a lot of space, but if you need to save just a little, the Alternate two Ross #4 Crossovers may work for you

DXO 8 vs 4

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  • DXO 8 vs 4
Last edited by CAPPilot
R RWLOGR Forum Member
CAPPilot posted:

Roger,

If I remember correctly, you layout used fairly tight turns.  I would not use the #8 double crossover; the regular crossover switches are similar to O-100s in curvature, plenty big for you.  If you go with using 4 separate switches, I would also consider Ross' #4 switches instead of their Regular switch.  The #4s are similar to O-72s.

Depending on how much you need to shorten the switch distance to get back to a 90 degree turn, you have other options.  Below is some examples of alternatives available to you.  The double crossovers will save a lot of space, but if you need to save just a little, the Alternate two Ross #4 Crossovers may work for you

DXO 8 vs 4

Yes, my layout is a bit tight, but I can utilize the Reg 11's, but will also consider some of your suggestions as well. I have attached jpgs of my layout with both the Reg 11's and with the Reg Cross Over.

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  • 1 - O-321 O-36 Reg 11 XOver 6 Spurs
  • 2 - O-321 O-36 Sgl XOver 6 Spurs
CAPPilotCAPPilotOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Roger,

Sure looks like the double crossover works best, but I do not how well it works.  It is Ross, so you should have no problems.

I even tried using a #4 double slip switch in the mix, but it didn't beat the double crossover for compactness.  Using Regular switches would be longer because of the added track to line them up with the double slip.  Besides, the double slip probably has issues of its own.

Your layout design for the space looks great!

dx vs 4s

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  • dx vs 4s
Last edited by CAPPilot
R RWLOGR Forum Member
CAPPilot posted:

Roger,

Sure looks like the double crossover works best, but I do not how well it works.  It is Ross, so you should have no problems.

I even tried using a #4 double slip switch in the mix, but it didn't beat the double crossover for compactness.  Using Regular switches would be longer because of the added track to line them up with the double slip.  Besides, the double slip probably has issues of its own.

Your layout design for the space looks great!

Thanks for the comments on my layout.

Yes the Double X-Over looks awesome, and really does fit my layout, but I need to verify that my loco's won't stall out over the diamond. That info will come over time, and I have time.

 

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