N-Scale double slip turnouts

[woody1]

Looking for 2 x electrical operated N-Scale double slip turnouts.

The ones where the main ling can go straight through on both lines or switched at both ends like the Kato 20-210

I have MiniTrix track so anything that will join up to this please.

[BigEd]

The one in the Picture is a Kato and will set you back $52.49 before postage. These are actually a bargain as they already include 4 motors to fully electrify the scissor (that's what it's called btw). I have an operational one of these on my layout at home.
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Kato-N-20210-Double-Crossover-Unitrack-p/kat-20210.htm

The only other option I know of is the Peco one. VERY expensive and then you have to motorize it...becomes even more expensive. You also need a DPDT switch with it as it's electrofrog and needs to be properly polorized. A real pain in the arse really...

From USA (still need 4 switch motors):
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Peco-N-SLE383F-Code-55-Double-Crossover-Switc-p/pec-sle383f.htm
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Peco-N-PL21-Toggle-Switch-Four-Pole-Double-Throw-p/pec-pl21.htm

From UK (where these are made): £70
http://www.hattons.co.uk/7632/Peco_Products_SL_E383F_Finescale_scissors_crossover_with_electrofrog/StockDetail.aspx
http://www.hattons.co.uk/7555/Peco_Products_PL_21_4_Pole_Double_Throw_Toggle_Switch/StockDetail.aspx

Point motors alone £25.50
http://www.hattons.co.uk/7547/Peco_Products_PL_10E_Point_Motor_with_Extended_Pin_use_with_PL_9_/StockDetail.aspx (4 of these)
http://www.hattons.co.uk/7538/Peco_Products_PL_9_5_Mounting_Plates_for_use_with_PL_10E/StockDetail.aspx

This can replace the above two in one go. Still expensive... £16
http://www.hattons.co.uk/7172/Gaugemaster_Controls_PM_1_Seep_point_motor_with_accessory_switch/StockDetail.aspx

You getting the picture? From UK £86 or £95.5 - you can claim back 20% VAT on these though. The Kato from these guys are £69
http://www.hattons.co.uk/62607/Kato_20_866_V7_Scissors_Crossing_Variation_Pack/StockDetail.aspx

Having said that, the Kato Unitrack scissor pictured does not fit normal track as is (like Peco or Atlas) but you can make it fit easily. Especially if you use cork roadbed.

If you need more info, gimme a call and I'll explain....in Afrikaans if you need it...

[woody1]

Thanks for all that info Ed.

But I am sure I can do the same with 4 normal turnouts.. 2 x left and 2 x right

[BigEd]

Yes, you can but you'll need an X crossing too - for the middle.

http://www.peco-uk.com/product.asp?strParents=3309,3310&CAT_ID=3315&P_ID=17108

[woody1]

As a complete novice to this I have the next question.
This double slip or whatever it is called allows a train to switch between two main lines.
By using 4 turnouts I can also switch my train between the 2 main lines.
Maybe it takes up a bit more real estate but if it gets the job done so be it.

[capeklr]

Hi Kobus,
yes that combination of 4 turnouts will do exactly the same, is simpler as there is no crossing involved, but it does use more space.
The real railroads make use of both options, on a open mainline they will tend to use normal turnouts while in restricted station or yards will use the scissor type crossover.
Regards Jörg.

[capeklr]

Here is a link to one that I have custom built for a friend and am building one for myself as well.
http://www.modeltraintalk.co.za/index.php?topic=159.0
Just to give you an idea what is possible.

[woody1]

Thanks.  Great idea