Slip junction

[Ben710]

I would like to use slip junction in a layout, but avoid doing so to avoid signalling issues and derailments.

Are there any assets (on the download station preferably) that help?
Any tips on track laying in this fashion?


Thanks

 

[dlevine99]

I would like to use slip junction in a layout, but avoid doing so to avoid signalling issues and derailments.

Are there any assets (on the download station preferably) that help?

Any tips on track laying in this fashion?

One way to get slip switches is to use Andi Smith's (andi06 here) Junction Kit http://ajsmith.org.uk/trs/. There is a FAQ/support thread here http://forums.auran.com/trainz/showthread.php?t=992. Andi's stuff is wonderful but somewhat limited and hard for a beginner to use.

You can make your own slips using standard spline track junctions. Slip switches are easy to make once you know how. I will have to illustrate with somewhat distorted text diagrams; I don't have a quick way of showing real drawings or screenshots. You have to imagine the diagrams squashed vertically.

The first step is to understand that a double slip is functionally equivalent to a scissors crossover:

​

-------\---/-----
. . . . \ /
.. . . . x
. . . . / \
-------/---\----- Ignore the dots they are just for spacing.
An actual slip would look more like this:

. . . \
.. . . \---/-----
. . . . \ /
.. . . . x
. . . . / \
-------/---\
. . . . . . \

Imagine it squashed vertically.

So start by laying out a slanted scissors crossover - four junctions facing each other with a crossing in the middle. (I'm going to use the straight version of the drawing for the next step because it's easier to se what you have to do.)
Now add new spline points to the outer tracks

------\-o-/-----
.. . . \ / Now move the new spline points
. . . . x inwards towards the crossing -
.. . . / \ but not all the way.
------/-o-\-----

As the new spline points move over the crossing area you will see the outer rails form the slip rails of the switch. You will have to judge by eye when to stop so that you get a good looking slip.

Now that you have your slip switch you have four levers to control it. There is (or was) a device on the DLS (I don't know if it's still there - I haven't had access since they started requiring payment.) called a "junction controller"
This is a scenery object that can be placed anywhere. Open the properties dialog and you will be able to build a list of junctions in the form of :
If Junction A is set thus make Junction B so.

I hope this helps.

 

[Ben710]

Thanks, now I just have to practice making them.

 

[itareus]

Slips can be a bit tricky to get just right with just spline track. I tend to use small "fixed track" items to mark the entrance/exit points for the slip as it helps when building them. (You can find some of these on the DLS - check out "Waygauge" "Template" etc.).

I did make some waygauges and point templates using the fixed track idea for my own use but never "published" them as I was not 100% happy with the geometry, especially of the slips. If you like I could send you a CDP of these - send me a PM with you email address if you want them (BTW never put you email into a forum post as this may result in you getting lots of spam mail).

When using slips be aware that they can cause problems with AI operation, they certainly seem to slow things down. On the prototype slips would normally only be used where land space was restricted or for other such reasons - I believe they were more expensive to build and maintain than standard points. It's a good idea to bear this in mind when using them

Cheers

 

[Ben710]

Thanks, I will PM my e-mail address...