Can anyone report on using the 44569 wye turnout in the construction of a turning wye (three point wye)?
I am curious howmuch additional space these require over the Atlas wye ?
Tom
Dear BT,
Depends on what radius you want to go.
A #5 regular turnout's RCR (radius of the closure rail) matches well with 26" radius curves.
Theoretically a #5 has a 11.4 degree departure angle on the divergent route, though I have seen that value called out at 12 degrees.
Call it 12 degrees for simpler math. Half the #5 Wye frog would be 6 degrees.
So, a single leg of the Wye has to turn 90 degrees, 12 from the regular turnout, 6 from the Wye turnout, and the rest from curves.
90 degrees - 12 degrees - 6 degrees = 72 degrees of curves.
Quite conveniently, (can't say for sure someone actually figured this out and/or planned it) the 26" radius curves come in 18 degree pieces.
It just so happens that 4 x 18 degrees = 72 degrees, which is perfect to build a Wye.
So, here's the recipe for the 2 curved legs of the Wye:
Right #5 turnout, divergent route.
four 26" R - 18 degree curves to the right.
#5 Wye left route.
Right route to
four 26" R - 18 degree curves to the right.
Left #5 turnout, divergent route.
I would need to know the dimensions of the 3 turnouts (R,L,Y) to figure the length of the straights for the main line between the R and L turnouts.
You could assemble the curves and turnouts and experiment to find the straight lengths needed to fill the gap in the mainline route.
Note that 2 pairs of insulated gaps or rail connectors would be needed. You could put one pair in each of the curved legs.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
Joe,
Helpful information. I would be turning Clinchfield 4-6-6-4 and C&O 2-8-4s this would seem to be visually a better solution than the Atlas wye.
Tom
Dear BT,
Wyes take up so much space.
The bachmann "T" shaped Wye that I just spec'd will be at least 54" wide, and perhaps as much as 60" wide.
The Atlas Wye turnout is a #3, so it would take up less space than a #5 Bachmann.
Also, in the Atlas layout catalog it looks as though they are using 3 Wye turnouts instead of one wye and 2 conventional turnouts.
This equilateral triangle shape takes up even less space.
Did you want to try a Wye configuration using three #5 Wye turnouts?
60 - 6 - 6 = 48 degrees of turn for the curves.. 18 + 18 + 12 = 48 degrees of curve.
So, you would need two 26"R - 18 degree curves, plus one 12 degree curve, for each of the three legs.
There is a 33-1/4"R - 12 degree curve, item # 44509.
For symmetry go 18, 12, 18 degrees on each of the 3 equal legs.
Two pairs of insulators are needed, one pair on each of two legs (not on your main route).
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
I agree that wyes are space eaters, however, my prototypes, C&O and Clinchfield in Elkhorn City, KY used a wye. I am sure back in 1915 when it was built there was a good reason.
Tom