Wiring a 072 wye for non-derail

Mike,

A rather radical approach to non-derailing Y's, especially used in a loop configuration, is not to use a switch machine at all. Instead, use a simple spring with your Ross switch! I do this on my layout and never had a derailment no matter which way the train is going. Here is an example of a springs in a push configuration

When a train enters the bottom of the Y, it will always go either to the right or left depending on how you permanently position the spring. Say it first goes left. When the train comes around the loop and enters the right side of the Y, it will not derail because the spring will be loose enough to let the wheels pass to the bottom of the Y.  I can provide you videos to show how well this works.

Hi Bruce,  your solutions sounds interesting.  I'd like to see the video you reference.  Also, what type of spring didi you use along with whatever I se in that picture ?  You also used a cut tie to brce the end of the spring, correct ?  Since I have 2 wyes, does each usethis spring concept ?  Attached is a copy of my layout. 

Mike

Mark,

Bruce's idea will not work on the wye that allows your loop to re-enter the mainline unless you want NO control over which way the train runs on the mainline.  Spring-loaded is fine for trains leaving the mainline to enter the loop; just doesn't work well the other way.

Chuck

Chuck, then you're saying I need to wire both 072 wye's for non-derail, correct ?

Mike

I think what Chuck is saying is how I would set it up. You could use the spring on the wye on the left. It doesn’t matter which way the train goes through the loop. I would want control and non derailing for the wye on the right. That way you can control the direction of the train going back to the mainline.

Concur with Jim above, and you only need the non-derail wiring for trains entering the loop from the mainline.  Leaving the loop, you will be required to manually throw the switch to determine the mainline direction of travel.

Chuck

Bruce, can you please provide that video you reference in your original reply to me.  Also, what type of spring mechanism do you use and where would I get this.  Can you describe the steps to contruct this set-up.

Thanks, Mike

Mike,

In the next day, I'll make a video for you showing how this works. BTW, here is a picture of a simple spring "pulling" on the switch.  A pulling spring is easier to set up than a pushing spring.

If you use the spring method for the left switch the train will always go around the loop in the same direction.  If you set up for electrical non derailing the train will alternate direction giving a bit of variety.  Depends on what you want.

If you use the spring method, make sure your cars are heavy enough to move the rail.

Here is a video using right-hand switches but it will work just as well with a wye or left hand switch. Using this spring approach, the train will always go around the smaller loop in the same rotation, either clockwise or counter-clockwise. If you even want more control of train direction on the loops, yet still want derailing protection, then a Tortoise switch machine--that behaves like a compression spring--can be used. I am also using that on a wye and can show you how that works.