How do you all feel about larger turnouts? Would you use them if they were available? What sized rail would you use? Code 80? Code 55? Code 40? How large of a turnout would you use? How about a #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #15, #20? Just curious to hear your opinions...
Large size switches would make my layout more realistic. Single and double slip switches would be great in a throat leading to a terminal. I made a double slip switch many years ago but had difficulty getting it to work efficiently. Looks like I may have to try to make another.
since we're wishing I'd love to do a #16 cross-over at one of the prime viewing aeras on the club road. What'd be real neat (this is beyond my current skill level) is to see a large # turnout with a moving frog (so called self-gaurding). Maybe a two piece photo-etch approach
Generally, I prefer shorter standard easily available turnouts. Being from South Florida and modeling in a garage, exposure to the heat, I have to change out my turnouts nearest the doors periodically. Had I used turnouts not readily available in stores, I might have to put my layout out of commission for long periods of time waiting for the new sized switches to come in. This way, I have lots of standard 6 switches as spares. I tend to run my trains rather slowly, so high speed switches do not serve any purpose on my layout. With the smaller turnouts, I can make longer passing sidings and compress track into areas where needed.
I agree with Steamguy, but not for the same reasons. Mine are economical. I simply don't want to pay the extra cost thes larger turnouts would have to sell for. I think things cost too damn much as it is. I will be using C80 #6's because that's what I have on hand and replacements are easily available. If I want or need a longer switch I will build it in place. Handlaying is not nearly as difficult or complicated as most of us think. Try it - - You'll like it.
