3 way "Y" using MTL turnouts

Hi everyone.
I want to make a 3 way junction or "Y" or Wye, whatever its called, using MTL turnouts. I have the thing laid out and ready to build my module (97X94cm, a monster)and it hit me that I need to gap it and reverse the polarity. Anyone have experience using those turnouts and that configuration? I believe I will need some kind of polarity reversing circuit too. I intend to install under table switching machines. Lots of advice so far but most have Märklin turnouts.
Please clue me in if I have to:1) modify the MTL turnouts; 2)ditch them and use Märklin; 3) what gizmo to connect to reverse polarity, from US good, from Germany better; 4) where to stick the wires and gap the beast.
Thanks!!
Kelley

Hello Kelley,

can you post a track plan of your module?

Correct me if I'm wrong, is your plan like a straight line with a track going of to one side, with the option to go from that siding directly in each direction of the straight line.

As far as I see it at the moment, it might be best to gap before the switch that connects the siding to the straight. Now you can set a toggle that reverses the polarity of the siding according to to which side of the straight you want to drive. In the picture the blue part is connected either to the left or the right curve:


Which parts you need for control panel depends on how much automation you want. The easiest way would be a simple toggle switch that connects with either curve when used. Those are available from Conrad in Germany. Of course it all depends also of how the siding goes on beyond the part shown.


About using MTL track sections:
Note that I used the Maerklin sections in the track plan software because there isn't a 25mm section from MTL yet. All MTL sections use the same footprint as the Maerklin ones, just that there are more sections in the Maerklin system. I needed the 25mm to get the distance resulting from the switch in the siding. The other sections I used are all available from MTL:

turn out
490mm 13°curve
220mm 45°curve
110mm straight
220mm straight

only the one 25mm section would have to be kitbashed from another MTL section.

Kelley, I found this.

www.siliconvalleylines.com/dcc/2006/Wiring.pdf

Thanks everyone.
Uwe, your plan is almost like mine. I used 2 more 13 degree curves and 2 110 straight pieces going into the Y and it works out. Thanks for the tip of the 25 mm piece as I thought it looked odd, even though it fit together. I will get a Märklin piece and tuck it in someplace.

You can also cut a piece of MTL-Track, i.e. a 220mm to 135mm, so you can fill the gap with the same track. BTW, is your Loco running again?
Mattias

I can cut MTL down pretty good now..I will have to cut one on other side of switch in order for it to fit on the 94x97 box. I was also contemplating using flex track,to make the Y smoother, but it has a kind of charm to it as is, plus, I want to put 1 or maybe 2 road crossings in the Y. For those with Google earth, look up the town of Sesser. Illinois, a town that I am trying to sort of model, and you will see the Y. As there are 2 street crossings in the middle of it, you can literally look down the tracks using the street view. BONUS!! Look at those nifty coal porters on the tracks!!

So now that I am convinced I can do these things electrically (I will have to ask my Frau for the electrical switch for Christmas..Found one made by Lenz) I will have to decide if I will make the Y using flex track, part flex track, all flex track, or cut the 1 degree out of both sides of the 13 degree track with roadbed. Or if I squint and hold my breath and hope..perhaps that 1 degree on both sides wont matter and there is enough tolerance that the train wont derail?
I know I am asking a LOT of questions, but..isn't this a great learning tool??
This thing will be a boat built in a basement and no way will I be able to transport it without a truck.

Moin Moin Kelley,
Kelley wrote:

I will have to decide if I will make the Y using flex track, part flex track, all flex track, or cut the 1 degree out of both sides of the 13 degree track with roadbed. Or if I squint and hold my breath and hope..perhaps that 1 degree on both sides wont matter and there is enough tolerance that the train wont derail?

I don't think that the train would derail if you force those sections together, but I would go for the flex track anyway. And for getting just 1° of a section away it might be a easier to file it away instead of cutting it...

With flex track your free to do the arc in any radii you want, and you're also free to go for a more free design. Only using sectional track makes a layout somewhat static. Unfortunately there isn't any roadbed flex track...

Besides... I looked at the location you named. There are much more "Y" you can find in that area. I found one to the East near the lake with a reverse loop South of it, and more to the North near Waltonville. Can you tell something about the area and why they did build those tracks?

GreetingZ

Uwe

Moin Moin Uwe,
Quick answer is ..Coal Mines. I wrote about a halfe hour about the area and history but pushed the wrong button and lost it..I will give you and everyone a background about that area in a couple of days.