Brick built cross track

[Saberwing40k]

Recently, I came across an idea, originally by Leo Dorst, on a method to make a crossover track with standard Lego pieces. Seeing as original crossover tracks are rather expensive on Bricklink, and there is no real equivalent in terms of current Power Functions track parts, such a thing might be useful.

His original sketches:

From these pictures, it was fairly easy to recreate in LDD, then translate into real bricks. But, there was a problem. As it is, this design does not align with the geometry of the existing Lego track. But, the solution was fairly simple, which was to extend the cross 4 studs in every direction, as seen in my rendition.

Now, the cross has exactly the same dimensions as the original, and can be used exactly the same way. All that was left to do was test it. I created a figure 8 shape using the pieces I had, and made a simple train run with Power Functions. It worked, although there are some traction problems when the engine is being started in the crossing. But, it is not a big problem, and it could be remedied by putting rubber bands on the PF train wheels for extra traction.

.LXF file:http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/saberwing2/Ideas/LeoDorst/rail_crossing.lxf

I hope you all find this useful, especially those of you who don't want to use the other method, which involves cutting up parts.

[Electricsteam]

I really need to come up with a narrow gauge cross track... I hope to put this to use !

I still have the broken track after trying to saw them to make the moddedcross track...

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

Usefull update!

Edited February 22, 2015 by LEGO Train 12 Volts

[djm]

FYI, similar designs have been posted previously on the EuroBricks forum. Refer to

• http://www.eurobrick...showtopic=91240
  
• http://www.eurobrick...showtopic=81533
  
• http://www.eurobrick...showtopic=97209
  

The last one is one that I came up with. It more closely matches the LEGO train gauge which helps to eliminate the traction problem you refer to. There is a PDF of the build instructions available here.

There's also a Diamond Crossing too (shameless plus). Refer to here. The most recent version on that thread for the diamond crossing is version 7. There's a version 8 (which is a small change from version 7) the build instructions for which which may see the light of day in a future issue of RailBricks.

Regards,

David

Edited February 22, 2015 by djm