Getting ready to build my yard. Been looking at the ladder system from mirco engineering. What are you thoughts on there ladder system?
The system is made up of 5 turnouts.
The 5a is a standard #5 turnout.
The 5b thru 5e are designed to be used together for a more compact ladder than is possible with normal #5’s (i.e. 5a). As their web site says, they do this through curved diverging tracks, overlapping turnouts, and track spacing of 2-1/16 inches (which is wider than the NMRA standard - contrary to what their spec sheet says).
The result is the ladder takes up less space in length but is a little bit wider.
You’ll also increase the S track problem as well, although for short cars this probably will not be a problem. If you are using long freight or passenger cars you might want to test first.
Personally, unless space is really critical, I would just use the #5a’s for a standard ladder. You can trim off the leading ties to get a little closer spacing to match NMRA standard if needed.
Also Atlas #4’s are really #4-1/2 and may work just as well for shortening the ladder.
Paul
It looks like a neat product to get more yard tracks quickly.
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I would love to see an actual overlay comparrison of ME yard ladders vs. another system, but could not find one.
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-Kevin
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I started a thread on this very topic some months ago and it generated some interesting information and replies.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/259014.aspx
Dave Nelson
It looks very cool and if you are not running long cars, then it is probably a good idea. I run long cars so I am not going to use the #5 ladder system; I am hoping ME comes out with a #6 ladders system; I would use that.
comparison of me ladder track yard throat to standard turnout yard throat.