Turnouts - mainline on diverging route

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

A typical #6 turnout has a straight route and a curved/diverging route.

I have always assumed that when a siding is coming off the mainline, that the siding should be the curved, diverging route and the mainline should be the straight.

In my layout it would more sense, and take less space, if I put the mainline through the diverging route, and put the siding off the straight. Studying track plans in MR it appears this is done from time to time.

Is this a bad technique, or doesn’t it matter? Should I go ahead and plan the mainline through the curve?

Is it prototypical?

Thank you,
Jer

2

There is probably a prototype for (almost) every situation. One that is kind of along the same lines near here is the split from the Toronto - Montreal line that goes to Ottawa. Which is the diverging route? Both Toronto - Ottawa and Toronto - Montreal are pretty big.

Anyway, I digress… If you can keep the main on the through route, that would be best, but if not, you can always do what the prototype does in this situation. Post a restricted speed limit through the switch.

Andrew

3

Andrew:

Thanks. I’ll see if I can make it work the ‘proper’ way. If not, a speed restriction is a nice detail. How do you feel about curved turnouts?

Thanks,
Jer

4

Don’t know… I expect they are useful, but I have never used any curved turnouts myself.

Andrew

5

I have successfully used both techniques, over the years. I.E. the main taking the curve on a #6 (HO) turnout as well as double curved turnouts.
If you just want to use up the outside corner (of your layout) with a spur; then the #6 or larger, is the way to go.
If you decide on double curved turnouts, you’ll need to check out Shinohara, Peco or Model Power (if there are still any out there).
Enjoy and Happy Xmas.

6

Andrew and Michael:

Thank you both. I’m building shortline on a shelf layout and the main takes an inside corner as the layout moves from one wall to the next. Because the two shelves are short, I’m not sure I can straighten out the curve enough to add the straight leg on the main. That would also interrupt the gentle curve; I’m trying to get it to 24" radius without forcing all of the industry to the front of the layout.

I appreciate the help very much.

Merry Christmas!
Jer

7

As far as curved turnouts go, I use quite a few of them with good results. I use the Walthers Shinohara code 83’s, mostly #7’s which are 28"/24" radius. They also have a #6 1/2 which is a 20"/24". It seems to be a bit tight for some medium size steam locos.
Tom Watkins