Bachmann NO 5 Wye turnout

[boomertom]

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

[Joe Satnik]

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

[boomertom]

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

[Joe Satnik]

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     

[boomertom]

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