N scale double crossover ?

[propmeup1]

I run N scale code 80 Atlas track, DCC and I'm interest in a double crossover. What is a good one to go with ?

Thank you,
KTB

[bbussey]

I don’t know of any code 80 double crossovers, although I guess Peco may have one. Your best option may be to build one with the appropriate Fast Tracks fixture.

[Dave V]

The Kato Unitrack double crossover is code 80, and with some paint and extremely careful ballasting, it can be blended into Atlas code 80 nearly seamlessly.

I'm not sure what prototype you're modeling, but double crossovers (with a diamond in the middle) where fairly uncommon in North American railroading outside of crowded passenger terminals and light rail/interurban. They're more popular in model railroading due to the space savings they offer. European and Asian railroads likely offer more prototype examples.

[learmoia]

To clarify.. Double Crossover?...


Kato might be your only pre-built option for Code 80..

I've got several on the layout.. they work Great!!..

Peco makes makes an SL-E383F  but it's 'Code 55'  (Code 80 Rail set deeper in the ties)

And it's twice almost triple the price of the Kato one..
https://www.ebay.com/itm/256092909809

Also Kato's has the 33mm (1.3" track spacing), and the Peco has 1" track spacing..
And Kato has built in switch machines.....

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The only 'heads up' I'll give you with the Kato product is that each quadrant/leg is isolated from the other 3, so you'll need to put feeders on each leg.

[nscaler711]

Depending on what you are doing, I'll still say what others are,
The Kato Double crossover is bullet proof. You will not have to do much besides weather it, and maybe hide the tabs for the point throws.
If you decide to have the points thrown electrically use the Kato turnout switch (24-840) they are 12v DC and one switch throws all points.

https://www.amazon.com/Kato-KAT20210-310mm-Double-Crossover/dp/B0003K1LKK

[u18b]

Personally, (my 2 cents)....
I would never call the Kato double crossover bullet proof.

You might want to read this.

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=57281.msg788523#msg788523

[dem34]

The Kato crossover is good, but not going to say its bulletproof. Its very sensitive to being installed slightly wrong, which sometimes happens if a wire bumps out a little on the table. And its basically a very close S curve with #4 turnouts. Works OK but would only recommend if space is absolutely needed.

What Ron said~

[nscaler711]

The Kato crossover is good, but not going to say its bulletproof. Its very sensitive to being installed slightly wrong, which sometimes happens if a wire bumps out a little on the table. And its basically a very close S curve with #4 turnouts. Works OK but would only recommend if space is absolutely needed.

What Ron said~

The double cross over uses #6 switches, so not quite close S curve, the #6s are 718mm radii so about 28" curves. Which is very broad for N scale.
In my case I have had 0 issues with mine and it's quite a few years old. At least none of the issues in @u18b post. Not saying errors don't happen...
I have far more issues with the single crossovers, which are #4s.
Also want to mention the double crossover matches Katos double track system which is 33mm spacing. Versus using just #6 turnouts... Ill leave this here.
https://katousa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/N-plan-6-turnouts-1.pdf

[nickelplate759]

Peco offers a double crossover in their code 55 line, which is really code 80.  Might work for you.
They call it a Scissors Crossing in some places:

https://peco-uk.com/en-us/collections/track/products/scissors-crossing-medium-radius?variant=7435677499426

[learmoia]

The double cross over uses #6 switches, so not quite close S curve, the #6s are 718mm radii so about 28" curves. Which is very broad for N scale.
In my case I have had 0 issues with mine and it's quite a few years old. At least none of the issues in @u18b post. Not saying errors don't happen...
I have far more issues with the single crossovers, which are #4s.
Also want to mention the double crossover matches Katos double track system which is 33mm spacing. Versus using just #6 turnouts... Ill leave this here.
https://katousa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/N-plan-6-turnouts-1.pdf

#4 switches require a decent amount of modification to be reliable..
It's not hard.. but it's just frustrating that after all these years, they continue to use the same flawed design..

With proper planning, it's about the same amount of difficulty to modify #6s down to a 33mm width.

Wait.. why are we having a discussion on Kato Switches when the OP clearly stated they are using Atlas Code 80 track.

[u18b]

Because Unitrack is code 80 also.

[nscaler711]

#4 switches require a decent amount of modification to be reliable..
It's not hard.. but it's just frustrating that after all these years, they continue to use the same flawed design..

With proper planning, it's about the same amount of difficulty to modify #6s down to a 33mm width.

Wait.. why are we having a discussion on Kato Switches when the OP clearly stated they are using Atlas Code 80 track.

Because OP uses Code 80 track, Kato uses Code 80 track, its also widely available and reliable. (and affordable for those on a tight budget)
So if OP is using Cork or masonite or w/e underneath his atlas track he can substitute a Kato Crossover where something else could go that may need more work to work correctly.
Also, also use more feeders and you ideally shouldn't have power issues.... 
I'm going to make it acutely aware for some. I use Unitrack exclusively like Ron ( @u18b ) I too have a simple roundy round two track main, because a permanent layout is out of my range... for now.
Ron, no hate here, I just simply haven't ran into the same issue with the current one or the one i had years ago, but I also hate power drops due to sloppy rail joiners so I have a bunch of feeders. I also run on foam, I just raised the foam on 1x3s and drilled holes under the track and ran the joiner feeders in several spots. The Tamiya plug Kato uses is fairly simple to pop apart. Just need a pin removal key set. or a thinned brass tube since I know brass is your specialty

#typicaltrwthreaddrift

 

[peteski]

Couldn't a double crossover be assembled from Atlas C80 sectional track pieces?  4 turnouts, a crossing and some straight track?

[nscaler711]

Couldn't a double crossover be assembled from Atlas C80 sectional track pieces?  4 turnouts, a crossing and some straight track?

Darn You Peteski using Logic!!!

[peteski]