Code 100 Curved Switches

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello Everyone

Happy New Year Everyone.

I am looking at ripping one section of my layout out due to a poor old switch. I need a left hand curved turnout code 100. Any suggestions?

Cheers,

CASO

2

You have to be more specific. What radaii? What Frog #? They run the gambit from 15 to 40 inch radius.

David B

3

I assume that by, “Curved switch,” you mean both legs curved in the same direction, and both curves of greater than minimum radius. Most manufactured turnouts are built to the manufacturer’s choice of radius, which means you will have to configure Your track to match THEIR geometry.

One of John Armstrong’s layout plans included a suggestion that the modeler could cut the under-rail links between the ties of a large-frog-number straight turnout and then gently bend it into a curve. I have never done this, so I can’t say whether or not it would work.

My own choice would be to build a suitable turnout in place after test-laying flex track along both routes to confirm that they are workable. Hand-laying turnouts is not as difficult as many people think, and it does allow YOU to determine your track geometry.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with hand-laid specialwork)

4

Both Sinohara and Peco put out curved turnouts in Code 100, but as Chuck said in his post, you have to re-configure YOUR radii to conform to theirs. I have several Sinohara curved turnouts on my model railroad which work very well for me, but I had to do a little fudging on my radii (34"-36") to get them to fit, so it’s not a simple ‘drop-in’ procedure, it takes a little planning. But yes, it can be done. My two Sinohara’s have been in place for 7 years with no problems.

Tom

5

Hey CASO,

First Hobbiy carries a large selection of Peco track and turnouts. Peco makes two sizes of double curved turnouts. First Hobby are good people to deal with. http://www.firsthobby.com

Bob

6

I’ve got several of the Peco code 100 curved turnouts. As I recall, the two radii are about 17 3/4 and 20 3/4, but don’t quote me. They are roughly 18 and 22, but not exact.

These things have been trouble-free for years. I use Peco switch machines, which are specifically designed for these turnouts. Peco turnouts have a spring which holds the points in place, and the Peco switch machines depend on that spring to do its job. Peco switch machines require a bit more of a “kick” than other twin-coil machines, to overcome the force of the springs. If you use Tortoise machines, you need to remove the springs before you install the turnouts, because you can’t remove the springs later.

7

I have a #6 or #8 shinorha. The radius is 26’. I would like to go to a bigger radius for more smoother transitions. Problem is nothing seems to be available right now from Walthers for code 100 shinorha. Does Peco have a switch out there that will work? If so is it available to order?

Thanks,

CASO

8

Since switch manufacturers choose their dimensions -

EASIEST is to match an in place original.model/brand…

If no original exists, Shinohara and Peco make code 100 ‘power routing’ types, but footprint may be different and require.new connecting track as curved divurging switch pecifications are only approximate.

Curved switches are more expensive and have a higher…incidence for derailment (geometry) as straight wheel flanges tend to find gaps.in curves…

I’d recommend a’ Central valley curvable kit - if they make one (in code 100)…

http://cvmw.com/

9

I found these switches available at Walthers. The shinorha is not available til Sept 09.

Would this work?

552-1045 Code 100 Streamline Large Radius Turnout – Left Hand, Insulfrog

Does anyone have this switch and did it take much work to fit with the track plan, and what is the radius of the switch?

Thanks,

CASO

10

Caso,

Perhaps this data will be helpful to you. The measurements are close but not guaranteed.

I have many curved Shinohara TOs (mostly 8’s) on my layout and never a problem other than converting the older ones to “DCC friendly”. They are well made but often hard to find.

#6 curved turnout Outside 24” radius, inside 20” radius Walthers/Shinohara

#6-1/2 curved turnout: Outside 24” radius, inside 18” radius Walthers/Shinohara

#7 curved turnout: Outside 28” radius, inside 24” radius Walthers/Shinohara

#7-1/2” curved turnout: Outside 32” radius, inside 28” radius Walthers/Shinohara

#8 curved turnout: Outside 36” radius, inside 32” radius Walthers/Shinohara

Good luck,

Karl