Staging yard turnouts

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
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I am currently planning the first stage of my n scale model railroad. This first part is the staging yard. I will have large modern diesel locomotives and perhaps some large steam. I am constrained by space with my current design, and medium size (#6 I think) Peco fit, with a crossing angle of 14 degrees. Will I have derailments? Therefore should I opt for large size (#8) Peco electrofrogs, with 8 degree crossing angle, and change the design to accommodate?

Thanks, Darren

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You should not have any problems with #6 turnouts as long as you are careful with installations and run quality equipment. I used Peco #6’s ion my second N scale layout and never had problems.

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-Kevin

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Thanks for the advice, Kevin. It’s good to know that it’s possible as it is difficult being a long way from a hobby store and have to import everything, so hence researching beforehand is best.

Darren.

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I agree with Kevin, make sure the turnouts are good and lay them flat and no. 6 with work good. Anything below no. 6 will give you trouble with 6-axles, I know from experiance.

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Welcome to the forum. PECO Code 55 Medium turnouts are remarkably forgiving and most locomotives go through them easily. (Code 80 Mediums are a bit sharper and may not work with everything, see below) Only the longest and stiffest six-axle power might require C55 Large turnouts. Best to test with your own equipment.

Although many (including, even Model Railroader editors) repeat the error, there are no PECO N scale “#8s”. PECO Code 55 turnouts all use the same #6 frog. The difference is in the diverging radius: Small 12”; Medium 18”; Large 36”. Code 80 Mediums are about a #4 frog with an 18” diverging radius, Larges are about a #7 with a 36” diverging radius. (Code 80 “Smalls” are actually SetTrack components with a very sharp #2.4 frog and a 9” radius – not recommended.)

Note that you can change the angle of the ladder with a small bit of curved track after the first turnout and a corresponding curve leading into each yard track. This shortens the ladder slightly.

Good luck with your layout.

Byron

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Cheers, Harrison. Thanks for the advice.

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Thanks heaps, Byron. There’s some real technical and practical information for me that I was unaware of. The point of sale, which for me is an on-line shop, doesn’t provide that level of detail, so thanks for the insight.

Darren.