Double Cross Over Vs. Turns

Hello,

Double cross over is like 2 turns back to back, am I right?

When a double cross over should be used instead of turns?

Why?

How cross overs and double cross overs operate?

Some photos to illustrate the above would be very helpful?

Thanks.

Mo

 

No a double cross over is composed of 4 facing switches (ie a X-shaped pattern) and is used to move from one to another parrallel track. A cross over is simply one leg of the X.

double cross over =x=
cross over =/= or =\=

they shouldn't be used with turns as this will most likely result in s curves that will increase chances of derailments or sting-lining.

 

Here's a double crossover:


http://www.some train store.com/v/vspfiles/photos/KAT-20210-2.jpg

 

So what is =/=\= called?
I thought that was also a double crossover and that the =x= was just a condensed version.
In other words a single allows crossing only in one direction (per direction of travel), whereas a double alows crossing in both directions (per direction of travel).
Have I got my definitions in a muddle?

I think when he said 'turns' he meant turnouts; otherwise the first question is nonsense.

 

I think terminology wise

=X= is a scissors crossover and
=/=\= is a double crossover

but, I'm no expert, I just looked at Wikipedia.

 

Prototypically, I cant say what situation would require a "scissors"? double cross over.

However on a layout, say you have a double main line oval:

Two cross overs =/=\= will get you from one track to the other just fine.
A double cross over =x= will get you from one track to the other, but, on the return loop, you can also cross back over to the original track, with out having to throw any of the turnouts. It kind of creates a non uniform figure 8 out of two otherwise individual loops.

 

Double Xovers are rarely used by the real RRs due to inherant maintenance problems and only where space is at a premium. Model RRers like to use them just to save space also. So if you have the room use a RH or a LH Xover instead. Take a good look at your traffic patterns to see if you really need any double Xovers. AND Double Xovers cost 2-3 times more than single Xovers. BTW the term "scissors switch" is basically an Xing w/ switch points not an Xover.