Help build a switch yard.....

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I am new to this hobby and I have a HO layout. I am having trouble making a traditional ladder type switch yard (the yard is 4’ x 8’) in my layout. A hobby store told me to use #4 Atlas switches to make this style of yard however once I started to lay the switches in line (left hand) I noticed right away that the gap between lines was way to big which is not realistic. Is there another switch to accompli***his?? Please send the name, part and model number one would use to get the normal or traditional yard effect…Please Help!!!
Box Car Charlie (BCC)

2

[#welcome] to the forum. It’s not your imagination. The natural lay of Atlas #4’s doesn’t result in minimal spacing of the straight tracks in the yard. You can trim the point end and the straight leg to tighten up that spacing. 2" centers are comfortable, I think 1 3/4" is possible.

3

You may be better off using #6 turnouts. In the 2005 edition of Model Railroad Planning, there is an article by Lloyd Miller about building a yard using #6 turnouts, laid on a #4 angle. You get more capacity in less space.

Ray

4

Thanks for the help, I was hoping to find some smaller switches though.

5

  1. The Old Dog would suggest that you get a copy of “Custom-Line HO Scale Railroads” by Atlas at your local hobby shop. See page 45 for your info.

  2. Also look at Atlas “Snap” switches. They may not look that “good”, but thet are real space savers.

Have fun

6

Thank you for that info Old Dog…I will check it out tomorrow.