Switches

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Ok, I just decided to dive into HO trains after being in O scale. I first decided on a simple loop of Bachmann EZ track, in 22" curves because I’ve read so much about 18" being too tight. I wanted to add a few sidings, etc. to my loop, and now pretty much I have been thrown for a loop instead.

I found out that Bachmann only has 2 switch sizes for ez track, 18" radius regular and a wider variant that is about 27" radius. This isn’t going to be enough of a choice switch wise, but now I don’t know where to go.

I see a lot about Atlas track, but after going over the different switch sizes, and messing around on the free track software on the Atlas website, I don’t see any switches that would fit correctly into a 22" or 24" curve circle. 22 - 24 inches is about all the room I have right now, but what switches can I actually use to be able to put something like, for ex., a straight siding off the mainline?

I don’t want to use flextrack, for reasons from messing with getting curves correct to not having the traditional joint system (clickety-clack), etc. I just want to know what switches fit into a certain radius.

Also, do you have any track brand suggestions?

2

To get something like what you want, you may have to go with PECO code 75 or 100 track.

USA prototype track does not use switches with a radius, rather they are at an angle.

3

Ok, well I’m just used to the O scale system, where you have 27" switches, 31", 42", etc.

I thought that is how it would be in HO also, but since it isn’t, how do all of you implement turnouts into your layouts then? Do you use flextrack or what?

4

O tinplate uses MUCH sharper switch angles than HO. You will find that if you want to reliable run 6 axle engines and 8 couples steamers through switches you need to go to #6 switches which are somewhere equivalent to 36 to 42" radius. Many ers use flex track. Very few “experienced” ers use sectional track.

Dave H.