I bought a double slip switch several years ago for my old layout that has since been torn down ....my new layout will be a much smaller point-to-point style .
I never did use the DS switch ....what would be a typical application for them ? None of the mrrers I know in this area have used one ......since I paid good money for it , I'd like to use it ....where it would be effective ? Help !
Terry
Usual use of a double slip is to save space in a station area.
Any place you would have 2 switches points together you could substitute a double slip.
I have a couple in the ladder leading to my large passenger station. The platform tracks have a DSS in the nearer main track and a plain switch in the next one. The slip combines the functions of a crossing and a crossover and gives access to another platform as well.
I'm in the midst of installing one to replace the crossing in a double junction. I only needed a single slip, but I got a bargain from a friend.
I can't think of many places where only one DSS was used. The Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport has one but I think its usefulness was diminished when they moved their entrance. Somewhere there's a picture of one leading to a lonely siding.
It might be used on the middle of three tracks for a crossover to access all three with one less S curve in the middle.
Here is a small collection. A couple of scissors crossovers made with 4 DSS; the formation is caused by 2 douple track ladders crossing each other.
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I kinda figured that the setting would be large like the pic you enclosed ....and I only have one DSS . I can't see the need for it in the first part of my layout but maybe over in the port area in the second half .
Thanks , T
TJ all the people I know that had one removed them. They said they were a real problem for the pilot and trailing trucks on steamers and for long cars and 6 axle locos. But then maybe they have different sizes and they were using ones that were too short. All I know was they held a celebration party when they were gone!
That's a good point to consider , Tyson . Most of my locos are smaller as are the diesel switchers ......in steam I also have a Mikado and a Mountain , though . Maybe what I'll do , when I get over to the port side of the layout , is hook up the DSS and see first hand how everything operates before I do anything permanent .......nothing ventured , etc .
Thanks , T