Layout of a wye

How symmetric a wye are you thinking of? A truly symmetric wye would have all three sides curved at the same radius (R) and use 3 wye turnouts. Each side would be 1/3 of a circle, so the length (from points of one wye turnout to the points of the next) of the arc would be = (2 * R * Pi) / 3. This form is rare on the prototype.

A more typical symmetric wye would be two curves of equal radii adjoining (by a left hand and a right hand turnout) a long tangent (typically the main line) with the tail track (connected by a wye turnout) extending off perpendicularly. Here each arc is one quarter of a circle, so the length of the arc would be = (2 * R * Pi) / 4.

Neither of these are 100% accurate, as the curves thru the turnouts are not true circles, but it is close enough for a star ship skipper used to measuring in light years. GQ

OOPS. Each side would be 1/6 of a circle, not 1/3. So the formula would be (2 * R * Pi) / 6. That's what I get for doing it in too old a head. GQ

Thanks. I'm using XtrkCad and am having a hard time fitting a wye into the space allotted. This may simply be a lack of knowledge of the software as I just started using it. I've played around by hand trying various configs on the actual layout but still am having no luck. Either the end of the "dead" leg is too short to handle an engine or the radius is to tight. I have other spots that could handle one but that would require major changes in the layout. But since nothing has been laid down I guess now is the time to do any change.

Kirk

"Moe, Larry, the cheese!", Curly

=>Thanks. I'm using XtrkCad and am having a hard time fitting a wye =>into the space allotted. This may simply be a lack of knowledge of =>the software as I just started using it. I've played around by hand =>trying various configs on the actual layout but still am having no =>luck. Either the end of the "dead" leg is too short to handle an =>engine or the radius is to tight. I have other spots that could =>handle one but that would require major changes in the layout. But =>since nothing has been laid down I guess now is the time to do any =>change.

Try a "scissors wye." Two of the legs cross, so less speca is used along the third side. If you can close to a half-circle on onle leg, the tail might be at an angle that eprmits greater length.

You could slos try a turntable.

Wolf Kirchmeir ................................. If you didn't want to go to Chicago, why did you get on this train? (Garrison Keillor)

I'll play with that method. Thanks.

Not suitable for this layout.

Kirk

"Moe, Larry, the cheese!", Curly

On Wed, 10 Dec 2003 15:32:18 UTC, 'Captain' Kirk DeHaan wrote: 2000

You have just found one of the benefits of layout software. The constraints are solid, no fudging. Much better to find out in the design stage.

And I managed to get my wye crammed into the allotted space. Enough room to turn a Dash 9 +.

It is really nice to see the layout in print. Think it might actually work! :-)

Now to fine tune it.

Kirk

"Moe, Larry, the cheese!", Curly

On Thu, 11 Dec 2003 23:36:26 UTC, 'Captain' Kirk DeHaan wrote: 2000

Suggestion, worth exactly what you paid for it. Print out the plan. Hang it on the wall. Look at it for a couple of weeks. Things will start to show up. You will probably make more changes. Better on paper than on wood.