I am wondering on the N-scale Custom line switch’s from atlas are they a #4 turn out for the standard switch? Also any switch for the mater I know there are #4,6,7,8’s what does the # stand for and what does this # equate to in radius? For instance what is the radius of a #4 switch, 11" ? Also is there a #4 turnout in code 80 that is curved? I have looked at peco but all I see is a radius of like 36" is there any turn out that is tighter?
I hope these questions make sence As I am working on my layout this weekend and will probably be buying more switches in the next week or so. Like I dont already have enough switch’s.
Curt
The number refers to the divergence of the two tracks. It is the distance from the frog down the tangent track to the point where the diverging track is one unit away (center to center measurements). So for a number 4 turnout, 4 inches from the frog the diverging track will be 1 inch from the main track.
John Armstrong’s book “Track Planning For Realistic Operation” has an explanation with drawings and also discusses the radius equivalents of the turnouts. If you only buy one book on model railroading, this is the one.
Enjoy
Paul
NMRA switches/turnouts follow USRR practice of curved point rails, but straight through the frog - a ‘composit’ if you will.
NEM or European model switches favor continuous curveture to simplify layout design, They can fit into and create a circle.
The trade-off is ‘curved’ switches make lousy crossovers due to their ‘S’ curves, and ‘straight’ sections through the frog theoretically reduce derailments. NMRA ‘turnouts’ use a ratio of departure from straight (lower is higher), USRR’s use degreest, and European switches use Metric Circles.
Surprise! They don’t agree. (Don’t worry about it).
Far more inportant is the 'quality’of the manufacturer’s switch. ‘Switches’ are where most model derailments come from. In ‘N’ gauge Kato seems to consistantly get the highest marks.
Since it also is the most expensive, many settle for less - with predictable results. It’s a matter of degrees, not a ‘yes’ or ‘no’.