In the 2000s a new "standard" width used for placing stations between parallel rails was developed that allowed for wider spacing (equal to a standard half straight rail) that the traditional double rail standard for placing stations and other accessories between. A few different types of point rail were developed that connected this standard to regular rail and double rail.
<-- R-21 Double Curve Rail | R-23 Flexi Curve Rail --> |
In 2005 the new R-22 Y-Shaped Point Rail (R-22 Y字ポイントレール) were released in pairs with one A type and one B type. The two branches of the rail are approximately 107mm apart, equal to a standard half straight rail.
The width of these rails does not line up with the older type of Y Type Rail from the 60s nor does it align directly with the double rail standard.
This spacing does fit stations very well, however, and it appears in conjunction with modern automatic transfer stations as well as accommodating many other Plarail stations, as seen by its inclusion in the Motor Road & Rail Knapford Station release and the C12 Steam Locomotive Arch Bridge and Rail Set.
<-- R-21 Double Curve Rail | R-23 Flexi Curve Rail --> |
<-- R-14 Crossing Point Rail | R-16 Automatic Point Rail --> |
In 2012 a new type of double track point was released that connects to double rail on one side and adapts it to the "wide" 1/2 straight standard used on the R-22 Y Point Rail and some other track sections. It also includes a crossover switch that connects the input from the outer track out to the curving output, also allowing trains entering the curving branch to be sent trough the shallower curve to the close line or all the way over to the outer line. The total length of the switch is equal to a straight rail and a quarter straight rail.