Super elevated crossover question.

unklian

Western Thunderer
Question for the track bashers on the board. With my HO scale hat on I am building a section of model railway with a long ( 180 degree ) double track curve. Part way round the curve I would like a crossover. What I would like to know is how to continue the super elevation of the two tracks through the crossover. I suspect that there are two ways of doing it. One would be to flatten all the track in the area of the crossover and slap on a speed restriction ! Or raise the level of the outside track so that the whole formation is tilted and super elevated as one in the same plane . Any thoughts ( pictures would be nice ) please gentlemen ?

Cheers Ian
 

mickoo

Western Thunderer
The main will remain canted through out the crossing, the two mains will be often be on the same elevation which makes the crossing between the two 'exciting' and usually slow like 25mph or something. It depends on the level of cant as well, if it's in the upper region, think 7 degrees is max for mixed lines and higher for bespoke high speed like TGV then the outside may gain some elevation to make the transition smoother.

I think generally more modern lines or those upgraded for higher speed will have a higher elevation difference, but older lines seem usually to be on the same elevation. More modern mechanized equipment make it easier to raise the track bed.

Only one I know of off the top of my head is Carstairs where the Edinburgh line branches off, all though not a true crossing the cant of the main opposes the cant of the branch and the difference in stock is easily seen.

There's also one at Barham pits near Claydon, but the cant is low and track is flattening out for a long straight and I can't remember if the crossing is on the curve, flat or between the two. I may have some overall track views which might help, will check later.

MD
 
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