I am new to this hobby; well, I did own a couple of Tyco sets back in the early 80’s. Anyways, I am new and currently started picking stuff up in HO scale. So far I have a 24" radius Kato Unitrack loop on my parlor floor. I am now wanting to add some turn-outs for either a cross-over, or a maybe a siding. My current train consist of an Athearn Genesis 4-8-4 UP #844, and three Walthers Pullman cars. My question is this. I know that Kato and others make turn-outs in #4 and #6. What are the differences between the various #'d turn-outs. I’ve even seen a #8 advertised (not Kato). What size would be required for the Pullman cars to negotiate them smoothly? They seem to manage the 24" radius Kato Unitrack pretty well. Jared
Kato Unitrack is certainly is the right choice, if you are just experimenting around a little, but the moment you think of some “serious” model railroading, you should go for flex track and even larger radii, if possible. Walthers/Shinohara, MicroEngineering, Atlas or Peco are the brands you should take a look at.
The #4 or #6 are denominations for the angle of the diverging rail, as measured at the frog. # 4 means an angle of 1 foot for 4 feet of track, i.e. the higher the # is, the smaller is the angle.
“The #4 or #6 are denominations for the angle of the diverging rail, as measured at the frog. # 4 means an angle of 1 foot for 4 feet of track, i.e. the higher the # is, the smaller is the angle.” Thanks for the response. So a #6 turnout will have a less abrupt turn than a #4, correct? What # would be the lowest that would/could accommodate the long Pullman cars? My LHS carries Atlas, is the Code 83 with nickel silver rail good quality? Jared
I would not attempt operating full length passenger cars on anything less than #6 frog switches,(turnouts).
Atlas track products are of good quality, although some modification or adjustment may be necessary. I have found that PECO are somewhat better, but more costly.
If you are considering Kato Uni-track, only use the #6 frog switches, as the Kato #4s are very sharp. I am currently using Kato uni-track on a interim layout, and have used Atlas and PECO in the Past. I will probably go back to Atlas for my next layout, as I find Kato’s rigid roadbed somewhat restricting.
Atlas and Shinohara do make #8 frog switces, (turnouts), and if you have the space, handle longer equipment more smoothly.
Joe