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?

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!

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...

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

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

If you some day decide to change your layout, the four separate switches might be more useful for a different track plan.

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

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.

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!

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.