Amazingly Easy Method For Installing Crossovers (219)

Crossovers can seem a bit intimidating especially when it comes to putting one together and wiring it without creating any short circuits on the layout. However I have a way that is so easy it is ridiculous, and the wiring is built into the track already. So let's get started!

[@geomodelrailroader]

also Larry if you do crossovers you need to install inclinators on both rails coming out of both frogs or the polarity will flip and you will get a short. N Scale, HO, or any scale DC or DCC if you place a crossover or a loop you need to install a snap relay and or a a selector plate that way you can turn off that block and you don't have reversed current when you throw the switch.

[@masyapanama1298]

Good video series. I am learning lots from it. One suggestion though, you may want to include the link for your website in the description box. Make it a bit easier for your viewers.

[@dougmoeller8726]

Larry.....Im putting you top of my Christmas list for next year!!! I have spent three straight weekends trying to get my crossover to work! After your video and maybe two hours of removing unnecessary wires, turned on the power and TRAINS ran!!! Thank you again!!!

[@michaelmcclanahan5002]

Larry, Thank you so much. Just starting into this and this ideo helped so much. Works with Walthers turnouts too.

[@peterjhillier7659]

Great Larry, I’ll check out your Peco Turnout Video too. Those Rail Cutters look really good and made the Job that much easier. Thank you for all your Advice. Keep safe,.

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing. Watched and enjoyed.

[@atsfandy]

Very good information, thank you for your perspective

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Larry I used the new Peco unifrog and I made my track centre 2.25 inches , good video and interesting idea

[@TheDCCGuy]

The 2.25” spacing works fine as long as it is planned for in advance. Glad to hear the unifrogs worked out. As I understand their construction they are very similar to the MicroEngineering but with a frog feeder attached. I assume you just butted them together with rail joiners to make the crossover?

[@CM-ARM]

That just makes sense. What I did because of that same thought. I haven't run yet but this makes me feel better. Will try first run through tomorrow

[@drsmith1988]

I did this with the Walthers turnouts. It was a pain because of the pre wired jumpers. Is there a way to deal with this? I was able to make it work well, but I couldn’t cut off the jumpers as close as I would like and the rails pulled out with some damage. I see that walthers now has a prebuilt crossover. I will be buying one of those soon.

[@1Klooch]

Nice and well explained! My head still hurts.

[@rwilson8]

Thanks for the video. Peco now has their Unifrog turnouts, which have an isolated frog. You can also use insulating joiners on the electrofrogs if you don’t want to make cuts.

[@ricter591]

Thanks Larry, I needed this. 🐾🚂 KY

[@nicksanto882]

Very slick!!! Great tip and video!

[@raymondjackson6069]

Great video! Can you do the same thing with PECO SL-8381 HO Code 83 8 switch ("Insulfrog")? Seems they would be close already, but I don't know. I want one, but it's for a main line and the 5 and 6' seem a little awkward.

[@sparky107107]

the frog juicers are the best thing next to sliced bread. make wiring switches and cross overs so simple.

[@steffenrosmus9177]

People eating pre sliced bread also drink tea with milk and are eatiing toddlers.😁

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Sparky if you Walthers switch machines, frog juicer built in, they have two micro switches installed for this purpose

[@TYEemployee]

Larry, I did this trick based on this video, but how would you wire it for dcc? I've heard you have to power the frog but then told you dont and Microengineering said you don't either. Please help.

[@TheDCCGuy]

When done like this you just connect the ends of the crossover to powered rails and as long as the two parallel tracks are the same polarities and not mirror images it works fine. As for the frogs, I always power my frogs by running feeders from them to the SPDT switch in the Tortoise or iP Digital switch machines. In HO scale you may be able to get away without powering some frogs with many locos however steam locos and short wheelbase switchers can be problematic and stall on a dead frog. See my prior videos on installing turnouts.

[@MultiPutte1]

Larry, I note that your crossover is with two right-hand turnouts. I have seen it on many layouts. However, if the main traffic is on the right hand side, why don't you use left-hand turnouts, so e.g. for easy drive to the "opposing" track? Thank you for a great video.

[@TheDCCGuy]

The crossover in that location is there to allow trains serving the quarry, a way to cross back over to the north bound mainline and return to Charlottesville.

[@matthewmcgowan2976]

A while ago I watched your video on changing polarity on the main line. Could you let me know what the video number is? Many thanks Matthew McGowan

[@TheDCCGuy]

Do you mean changing polarity in reverse loops? I doubt I would have done one on mainlines.

[@marksachs1308]

Larry, Can you control crossover switches with NCE's Switch-8 Mk2, button board, and WITH ONLY 1 push button. It would be great if that could be done, but did not see how in any previous videos. Thanks and really enjoy your channel.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, that is the way most of my control panels are set up and operate. Since a single Switch-8 output is powerful enough to operate 2 Tortoises it is easy to do. And the Button Board Switch-8 combo has an option to program it so a single pushbutton activates an output. I think I covered that in video 25.

[@marksachs1308]

@@TheDCCGuy Thanks Larry! Enjoy all of your videos and you have certainly helped me answer quite a few questions on many different topics.

[@dkaustin98]

I watched this with interest. I also watched those other videos on turnouts you did. Now can you discuss the use of isolated rail joiners. When and where you use those or do you just use the Dremel to cut gaps.

[@TheDCCGuy]

The main reason for gaps is in case of expansion and contraction and to isolate reverse loops, block gaps, and oddball situations. Since my layout room stays around 70F year round the first 2 issues are not a problem. And isolation gaps are easy enough with a Dremel or I just leave them as I lay track.

[@dkaustin98]

@@TheDCCGuy I think that topic could be a good discussion for another video. The plastic rail joiners to isolate track can be a real pain to work with at times.

[@NYCCovergirl718]

Hi Larry, I have a Walther's Double Crossover and I am a new to model railroading and I'm not too good at installing switch machines, but my trains short out when crossing over to the next rail line. I see where you show the posts for wiring but you don't actually show how to wired the unit. I literally need a graphic example on how to wire power to the Crossover correctly. What wire goes where? I am lost and I really need help correcting the issue I have. I am so lost. Please? I need help. Thanks in advance.

[@TB-ModelRR]

I'm new as well, hope you found what you're looking for. This might be a gatekeeper channel, I hope not, but I'm not sure. First video I've watched. Keep watching videos, get books and stay patient

[@ronduz1281]

Great video Larry , looks like Micro engineering is the way to go. How about doing a double crossover video. 👍👍👍

[@TheDCCGuy]

Those are a lot more complicated and I just used the Walthers product before Shinohara shut down. I am hoping they will be adding one to the new line ow that they have flextrack and turnouts in production. If they don’t I’ll probably just put two single crossovers back to back.

[@mikedurhan9941]

Larry: In your book, Wiring Your Model Railroad, page 30, illustration 9, (which includes a crossover in the illustration), the verbal content in the illustration seems to contradict what is stated on page 34, the last paragraph re: crossovers. Page 30 states everything is simple, straight wiring, whereas page 34 seems to say, "follow the two-rail wiring rules (11), (12)", which I thought had to do only with power-routing turnouts, particularly with Cab Control. But, now, after watching this video, I see that for a DCC wired layout (with all-live turnouts), it is the simple wiring as per page 30, illustration 9. Correct?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, the material in that chapter keeps moving back and forth between using power routing and all live turnouts (DCC Friendly) turnouts. All live makes things a lot less complicated.

[@mikedurhan9941]

@@TheDCCGuy Thank you!

[@dwaineruthannarmentrout1811]

Which micro engineering switches did you use for this video? Do all their switches have this feature? Great video. I wasn't aware of this great feature!

[@TheDCCGuy]

I should have mentioned that these were their standard #6 turnout. I have never tried this with any of their other turnouts but I would bet their construction is the same.

[@dwaineruthannarmentrout1811]

@@TheDCCGuy I wanted to thank you for always responding to my questions and for putting helpful tips about how to navigate KZbin. I was recently watching your video on "To Use Foam or No Foam" and I learned how to find your entire list of videos by tapping on your face icon. So simple now but not so obvious until you said it. The teacher in you really comes through in a very caring way. Thanks for your continued willingness to share your depth of knowledge with us.

[@bruceboyer8187]

Thank you Larry

[@scottpeal60]

If I have a large dog bone loop with the cross over in the middle of the dog bone, the rails are opposite polarity. Should I put isolated joiners at the ends of the loops and swap polarity? Would that cause a short as the engine moves across the gap?

[@TheDCCGuy]

The 2 dogbone loops at each end create 2 reverse loops as a result of the crossover between them. If the crossover was not there you would just have one big folded loop. So you need some way to correct the polarity when locos cross over between tracks. That can be done using one of the automated circuits I have shown in a number of videos or you can use the 2 SPDT switches built into a pair of Tortoises to do it.

[@alanwhite6293]

Tam Valley frog juicers will do it no probs-instant switching on DCC

[@denniswilson2690]

Great Video! I imagine that one can wire up the switches like Circuitron's Tortoise so that switching one will automatically switch the other one correctly in the crossover?

[@TheDCCGuy]

That’s the way I do it. In this case 2 turnouts are essentially the same as one, you just have to get the wires hooked up correctly. I have shown how this is done in a number of previous videos.

[@denniswilson2690]

@@TheDCCGuy Thanks for the prompt reply Which Video playlist would they be in?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Actually all that is required is to daisy chain the power connections located on Tortoise contacts 1 & 8 so they both throw at the same time. If you are using an accessory decoder make sure it can power 2 Tortoises at about 20 mA each (40 mA total). I have done this with the NCE Switch 8 and Switch It.

[@normtaylor3240]

I'm using Atlas #8 switches.

[@wasted-blaster.]

So you use two switches? 🤔 I'll try that.

[@joestallworth7188]

question i am building a commuter train layout it going to be point to point how do i installed the signal points and reverse from the station

[@TheDCCGuy]

Do you want a automated system that will allow a commuter train to enter a station, stop and wait, then reverse out all on its own? DCC Concepts makes such a system but it requires either their decoders or the latest ESU.

[@JamilKhan-df2yx]

Sir, very good idia of set up track cross over. I want to purchase these sets rail track. Kindly give me link, so I may able to collect these sets of rail track. Thanks with regards.

[@TheDCCGuy]

You just need to find a dealer who sells the Micro Engineering turnouts. A viewer also,commented that this works with the Walthers turnouts and I think Walthers has introduced their own completed crossovers, check their website.

[@michaelschultz5127]

Would it work with plastic frogs to? Just started to watch your videos, and I love em! Please keep up the good work.. you know those green colored locomotives that you used in the front of the video are my favorites!!

[@TheDCCGuy]

As I said i the video I have not used any other types of turnouts for crossovers so can’t say for sure. I suspect that with most others you will have to cut the frog rails instead of sliding them out. I suspect the construction of Micro Engineering turnouts is unique and most are solidly held in place by the plastic spikes but it is worth a try.

[@craobhade]

If it has plastic frogs surely its automatically insulated.

[@chrisridd9423]

That's really clever! Is it just luck that the result gives tracks that are 2 inches apart, or is it by Micro Engineering's design?

[@AbelG8781]

Usually designed that way. Atlas code 55 track along with Atlas O 2R track is engineered for prototype spacing. N scale is 1.25" TC where O 2R is 4.5". Its great that manufacturers put that detail in there for us, saves lots of cutting and measuring.

[@claytons8263]

Will your book Wiring your model RR can that be used for Wiring a DC layout

[@TheDCCGuy]

The book was written to cover both Dc and DCC wiring. There are chapters that are specific to one or the other and chapters that are generic.

[@claytons8263]

@@TheDCCGuy Thank you have a great day.

[@normtaylor3240]

I would like to know how to wire the crossovers so they can both be switched with one toggle switch for DCC operations.

[@TheDCCGuy]

All you need to do is daisy chain the power wires going to the first switch machine on to the next one. You may need to experiment to get them operating in the same sequence but clip leads make that easy. Most accessory decoders can handle 2 switch machines on each output. But always check your device specs and the current draw of each switch machine.

[@434srt90]

Does this work with unifrogs or insolfrogs, because been using them but first time doing a cross over with two main lines

[@TheDCCGuy]

I made suggestions in the video on that subject. I have never tried it but it might work. Depends on how loose the frog rails are in the plastic mounts.

[@justeliashere]

What number turnouts are you using?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Almost all are no. 6. I have a few no. 5 and one no. 4.

[@justeliashere]

@@TheDCCGuy thanks

[@brianmeyer2227]

How many ties would you cut on each and which if they are left handed?

[@TheDCCGuy]

I just lay them on top each other in the crossover config and remove the number that overlap. The process would be the same no matter left of right.

[@brianmeyer2227]

@TheDCCGuy thank you. I broke a few spikes but can I just dab some glue to hold the rail?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, you have to go slow and be careful with them. Some thin superglue may help hold the rails but I generally have found that (depending on their location) once the ends are soldered to the adjacent rails that helps a lot. In some locations such as at the points I drill a small hole with a pin vise bit and insert a small rail spike. I have to do that soon so will try and shoot a closeup.

[@brianmeyer2227]

I've still got one or two holding it against the frog, but it's just enough to still work. Is there an email to contact you privately if it's ok?

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

Thanks for this, Larry. Explained my earlier question for me!

[@markstafford5586]

What is different with double crossovers?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Six frogs and a lot more complexity. Walthers used to have a good DCC friendly one but when Shinohara shut down that was lost. I am hoping their new contractor will eventually add it to production but I am still scanning eBay in case one turns up.

[@Matt_Forcum]

Do you happen to know if you can pull the frog rails out of the new Walthers turnouts? This is a great tip I wish I knew about ME turnouts before I built my layout! Lol

[@TheDCCGuy]

Someone mentioned that you can but I have not tested one yet.

[@Matt_Forcum]

Thank you. I'll be testing that soon I think. I'll report back. @@TheDCCGuy

[@205004gs]

Awesome 👍

[@mgamga9476]

I do not understand how they would not be the same polarity.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Good that puts you ahead of a lot of others.

[@mach37]

Am I the only model railroader who uses Atlas code 55 turnouts? Nobody, but NO-BODY tells how-to with Atlas turnouts. I am nearing D-Day with my (nearly) all-Atlas code 55 layout and need confirmation that the frog is insulated identically to the Micro-Engineering frog, between the frog and the diverging frog rails, and needs no additional insulating rail joiners.? Close inspection shows skinny insulating plastic between all four corners of the frog, but I wonder if it is enough.

[@TheDCCGuy]

On the HO versions I am pretty sure the closure rails are continuous under the frog and are connected to the frog rails and I assume that is the same with their code 55 turnouts. You could easily confirm that with a voltmeter set on resistance and do a continuity check.

[@ethantreue2865]

does anyone know if I can use an MRC control master 20 as a power supply for a dcc system? would I be able to plug an mrc dcc remote into it?

[@TheDCCGuy]

You cannot use a DCC throttle with it, since if I remember correctly it is just a DC system. However it has a very large amp rating and you may be able to use it as a power supply for a DCC system. Most DCC systems now require DC power but if your MRC has a fixed DC terminal then it might work. What is the amperage and voltage for the fixed DC output?

[@ethantreue2865]

@@TheDCCGuy it has 20 amps and I believe it gives between 12 to 18 volts to the track, depending on which scale its used for. I'm doing ho so I believe it's 12. I'm looking to upgrade to dcc but I would like to keep this as a power supply since it puts out good power.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I found some photos of a unit online and it appears it only has a fixed AC terminal and a variable DC terminal but no fixed DC terminal. So I guess you could open up your throttle to full power and leave it that way to provide about 16VDC at 5 amps. I have never done that so cannot guarantee how long your system will last like that. Some older DCC systems ran off AC or DC power so there may still be some that offer that but I don’t know-check with NCE. I know that Digitrax systems require DC power. .

[@ethantreue2865]

@@TheDCCGuy thanks for the help. Do you know of any high Amp dcc systems in particular?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Most offer a 8 or 10 amp system in addition to the standard 5 amp ones.

[@Conn653]

Would this work for a double-slip switch?

[@josephsdale3724]

Certainly ought to. Just watch the polarity of the rails.