Ross 11 deg Switches

In designing/redesigning/building my layout. I went through a major analysis of what I needed. I had the mindset that if I was using 072, I needed 072 switches, or 54, etc… When I had a complete list of what I thought I needed, and talked to the owner of the LHS, he suggested I consider the 11 degree, (#100 left or right). Reluctanly, I did. Wow was that a good move!!!

What I find as the major advantage is it can be used pretty much universally. The benefit is on a formed 72, 54, 42, or 31 switch your coming off with about half of the curve beyond the frog and then mating to that curved section. In some cases you then need to compensate for the extended curve and get back in line. With the 11 degree you really don’t have that issue. It ends up as a much more gradual leading edge into the siding. Then you can put whatever 1/2 or 1/4 curve you need. And the equipment likes this gradual pre-positioning much better. Then if you need to relocate the switch, it is easily adaptable to other applications using that appropriate curve section.

Additionally if a cross over is being considered, it really works well, actually permits the two lines being even closer together than with the formed switches. And can have a shorter OR longer diagonal transition between the two lines.

Another instance of having the advantage of a knowledgeble LHS.

ROSS makes a great product. I built my yard using exclusively #4 turnouts. These are 11 degrees as well but with a slight more curve. They offer transition sections for these that will bring the siding paralell with the mainline. Works great for passing tracks as well. They come in three configurations for track spacing. 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5 . No bending or cutting. Great stuff.

Don, when you get time from your “night time activities”, get us some photos. thanks