Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
Numbers on Crossovers
Hank models HO and asks:
“What do the numbers on the cross over (for example #4) means, and when or where do you use number #4, #5, or #6 cross over?
Add your answer below.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
The numbers refer to the angle of the diverging tracks in the crossover, the same way they do for simple turnouts. The lower number, the higher the diverging angle. So a #4 crossover will have sharper angles which would make the whole crossover shorter. The drawback is that long locos and rolling stock may not work well, or look as good, as with the sharper angles. A #4 would be okay with most freight cars but passenger cars will likely be better with a #6 or larger crossover.
A #4 turnout has a frog with a bit over a 14 degree angle and a diverging radius of about 15 inches. So if your equipment requires a minimum of 18 -24 inch radii, a #4 would cause problems. On the other hand, a #6 would have a frog angle of just over 9 degrees and a diverging radius of about 43 degrees,
For further information I would suggest you look at
http://www.pcrnmra.org/pcr/clinics/Kolm-TurnoutsWhatYouNeedtoKnow-PCR2008-handout.pdf
Think in terms of inches or millimeters. A number 4 has a divergence of an inch over 4 inches of straight track, very sharp, a No8 has a divergence of 1 inch over 8 inches of straight track – a more gentle curve.
The smaller the number the tighter the switch. Thus on a #4 crossover small locomotives (4 axle diesels, short wheel base steam) short cars 40-45′ or less. #5 switches allow for larger rolling stock (6 axle diesels, most medium steam depending on wheel base, including brass) cars 60-75′ (85 with talgo trucks. #6 Almost anything except maybe brass 4-12-2 unless equipped with blind drivers