Double Crossover issues

[SteveInBama]

Thanks all ,
Located a Shinohara HO ~$45 ( apparently like Santa Fe Jack above). It is about 20" long but HO Code 83 - not sure what I will need to do if anyting with Atlas Code 100 ? Also if remote DCC/Digitrax will work with a snap remote?
Comments anyone?

 

[steamhead]

Lucky to have found it..!! I understand there are special railjoiners that'll lift your code 83 to the height of the 100. I would presume you'd need to shim the code 83 turnout so it won't sag in the center.
Good luck..!!

 

[60103]

Steve: I haven't worked with code 83, but I do have 100 and 75 on my layout. If you can't find the special joiners, you may be able to make a transition from code 100 joiners. I put them onto the code 100 rail and flatten the outer half with pliers. Then solder the smaller rail onto the flat section so it's level with the other rail (and lines up on the inside edge). Test that it's flattened and low enough before soldering. You might want to use a small section of plain track for this rather than soldering to your expensive double crossover. There's no telling about shimming the track afterwards as there are no standards for tie height.

 

[SteveInBama]

Thanks David, By "low enough" I think you mean even/smooth at the top of the rail where the two types meet? (after mod/crimp of the rail joiners)

Sounds like this combo of code 83 with code 100 track will be considerable trial and error.
Thanks for the guidelines.

 

[60103]

Steve: even with Peco's code 75 and code 100, one track needs shimming. I found two sheets of very thin card worked -- one of them twice as long as the other.
And I have pictures of prototype rail joiners joining 2 sizes of rail. CN has a siding where the mainline has 4-bolt fishplates and the siding has 6 bolt fishplates on smaller rail; the transition has 5-bolt fishplates!

 

[mentor63]

I was just surfing the net for a turnout and came across an Altas listing. They make transition joiners for code 100 to 83 if that helps. They under $3 for 12 joiners

 

[SteveInBama]

Thanks all, I just hated to start "new" with a crossover I had to modify.

 

[cidchase]

Hi Steve,

Just out of curiosity, what is the track centerline spacing on your Shinohara?

Thanks!

 

[SteveInBama]

Cid,
The distiance, center line to center line is 2 inches. I ordered the double crossover - in stock - from The Engine Tender as Shinohara track part number 669 - 112, - description " cd 100 #6 dbl crossover ". It will be a while before I attempt to have it working....

Steve