I was given a number of turnouts and want to know the curve radius equivalent of these turnouts:
#4, #5, #6 and #8s.
Thank you
the Atlas Snap Switch is unlike most turnouts in that it has curved diverging rails and is designed to replace the last section of an 18" curve. It’s not a replacement for any section within the curve because there is a short length of straight rails at the points.
most turnouts have straight diverging rails of varying length. The image illustrates the effective curve radii (e.g.21.5" for #4) and lead lengths of the NMRA recommended turnout dimensions (note that they are not all prototypical)
John Armstrong used to make the point that for a (HO scale) model railroad with 30" curves, there is really no reason (besides cosmetics) to go any larger than a #5 turnout, which should be able to accommodate all locos and rolling stock that can handle the 30" radius.