I am just getting started in the hobby. I am wondering if i can use #4 turnouts in the yardsto use less space or does this depend on the size of the loco i am going to use i plan to use #6 on the mainlines. I am planning on running steam locos.
Short locos=short turnouts; long locos=long turnouts. Some long locos will handle short turnouts at slow speeds but the short locos will easily handle the long turnouts. You can use #4’s on the main as long as the long locos will only use the straight side (such as an industrial spur).
Brad
The answer is maybe… If you have room, I would use the #6 turnouts even in the yard. If you are using small steam (moguls, connies, Americans and the likes) #4s would work fine. The longer wheelbase of late steam will make the use of #4 turnouts problematic. The best advise is to always use the largest # switches that will work for your space. Have fun!
Since this is the yard, it depends on the yard locos. If you’re using 0-6-0’s then 4’s should work. Keep in mind that the cars are also limited by the turnout size. i would recommend that you use #5’s in the yard.
Enjoy
Paul
YOu can also save some space with your #6’s by cutting down the excess straight portions of the turnout.
I use peco code 83 #6 streamline turnouts in my yard, they are as long as a standard straight.
No ONE size fit’s all
BUT since our model layout’s cannot use the prototype’s curves, the best ‘Rule of thumb’ is #4’s for yard’s and #6’s for main’s. (#8’s for high speed Crossing’s).
98% of today’s equipment will work on the above. If it doesn’t (my brass 4-6-6-2 didn’t), modification is in order. REAL railroad’s didnt run their big mainline engine’s on branchline track’s, so why should you? … Because your 4-8-4 with undersized driving wheels can?
(Dumb}.
The real world doesn’t always follow the “tried and true.”
Bill, just because there’s a prototype doesn’t mean you want to do it. I have enough problems with getting my track to work.
It’s really a matter of how much room you have and what kind of equipment do you want to run. Then establish a standard that fits your situation. I have a large space and want to be able to run large locos and full sized passenger cars. My standard is #6 for yards and spurs, #8 for main line crossovers and sidings. Some one else might be short on space but have shorter equipment so a 4/6 standard might be best for them. The person who has a problem is the one who wants to run big equipment on a small layout. Your track has to fit your equipment. If it doesn’t, you are asking for trouble. You might get an big steamer to negotiate a #4 turnout, but don’t count on it.
Agreed, I’d be unhappy if my scale track looked like the pic, too. At least the speed over such will be very slow. SAFETY FIRST [:)]
FWIW: #6 is my yard standard. Mainline is mostly #10, with a few #8, as space dictates. There are 3 #4 turnouts, w/ code 70 restricted to very small locomotives.
Mainline carries big time steam. Code 83.
Don is correct…The rule of thumb calls for #4s for yards,#6s for mains. As far as size 8’s Well-if you have the room if not a crossover made of #6s will work for a medium speed crossover.
Chip said:Bill, just because there’s a prototype doesn’t mean you want to do it. I have enough problems with getting my track to work.
Chip,Us older and more experience industrial switching layout builders model track like you see in that picture with out any derailment problems.[:0]
If you are having derailment problems I suggest getting a NMRA gauge so you can check your track and wheels.Then check your cars trucks to ensure they are not to tight.[:D]
Maybe slow your trains down as well?[:0]
Of course it could be the track and switches…That’s why I stick with Atlas track as I know its the best from my years of experience.
Boy, everyone seems to have covered all the bases already. My only comment would be to have a switcher small enough to handle the tighter #4 and if you have to haul a long string of stock, then HAVE TWO SWITCHERS, or maybe three. Depends on the size of your yard.
thanks fot the info. looks like ill try to use #6 for everything room permitting. thanks again
Another reason for using #4’s in the yard’s, is ones finger’s fit between ladder tracks for placing and re-railng equipment before sending it out on the main - something I cannot do easily with my #6 ladder’s.
Plan for future requirements. You may be perfectly happy with #4’s on your mains for several months, maybe even a couple of years. But, if you are like most of us, you will yearn for larger locos before long. If you want to run your bigger locos into the yard, that is when your #4’s will become dog poop.
Could always use Walthers (or others) No.5 turnouts - they save space but have much less trouble with S-curves etc. than No.4 turnouts do.
#6 turnout crossovers will handle 85 foot passenger cars with with body mounted couplers (no movement of the coupler box). To paraphrase Capital One’s ad campaign: " What’s in your layout?"
90% of all my turnouts are #6’s with a few #4’s thrown in in tight industrial areas.
Guys,A Atlas #4 custom line switch is not a real sharp switch and should handle 6 axle units and long wheel base cars…Now a Atlas #4 snap switch is fair sharper then the custom line #4…Please don’t confuse the different types of #4 switches.