The recent Tomalco thread as me wondering- Given the various switch numbers, what are the actual track radius of #4, 6, 8, etc., in S scale? Boxcab E50
Not an answer to your question but on a properly designed and built turnout there is na radius function as such. The only thing set in stone is the frog number. The points and frog are straight and the curve between the two is eased to allow smooth passage. If there was a set radius, the operation thru it would be very jurky and lead to derailments. The above does not apply to stub switches.
Hi Jim- Having had some experience in 1:1 scale railroading, I do know about the numbering of switches. Was just looking for the radius of model RR sized turnouts for planning purposes. Need to see what might fit into a 10 by 14 room. Boxcab E50
I have been doing a lot of looking around and came up dry. Have an idea. Just e-mail Larry and ask him ;^) Larry Morton lmorton@hvc.rr.com
Have done so. And am hoping for a response. If by weekend, perhaps I can take the info downstairs, and do some preliminary measuring....... Boxcab E50
Boxcab, I have some #6 Shinohara turnouts at home. If time permits with my weird schedule over the next few days, I will try to get some quick measurements and post them. I vaguely recall that Greg posted the dimensions over the summer. If you search back over the summer, you might find the post. I agree with Jim that most high end scale model turnouts are probably based on angle number and do not have a clearly associated radius. Some of the hi-rail, "snap track" probably does have radius based turnouts. Check the SHS website to see what their sectional track has. By the way, the new issue of Model Railroad Planning from Kalmbach has an interesting 4'x8' tabletop S Scale layout plan which was based on sectional hi rail track. I just skimmed it so far, but it is there. If you can get a copy, that might give you some clues on where to look for the information you need. My copy is at home or I would check it for you.
I just had a response from Larry Morton (Tomalco.) He provided: #4= 21" radius. #5= 36" radius. #6= 58" radius. Boxcab E50
Ken, Good that you got an answer from Larry and the numbers you asked for. I will save that info for my own use. Thanks for posting. Greg
I've chalked out some circles using those provided numbers. That 58" is beautiful. But uses up the entire room. Guess the number 5 would be what I could expect to use most of the time. Boxcab E50
Ken, I came to the same conclusion. The #5 will be a compromise but a livable one. IMHO the #4 switch would be too tight for even a yard lead. Greg
