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Turnout for Medium Size Layout
Garry asks readers:
“What do people think would be the best type, or even brand, of turnout for a serious model railroaders medium-sized layout? Also, can some tell me what size turnout would be most suitable for my passenger trains so they will not derail?”
Comment below.
3 Responses to Turnout for Medium Size Layout
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Garry,
You don’t mention what scale you are modeling but the three major track manufacturers (Atlas, Peco & Kato) all have fine albeit slightly different products. Atlas and Peco offer both HO & N scale. Kato has HO but I am not sure if they have N scale track or not. I recommend going to each company’s web page and see what each offers in terms of appearance, price and options.
As far as the turnout # size is concerned, the smaller the number, the ‘sharper’ the diverging rail is from the main line (as you may know). A #4 turnout is okay to use in freight yards since speeds are low although some really long equipment (like passenger cars or Big Boy locomotives) could have problems. Unfortunately, this is hard to anticipate since similar equipment from different manufacturers can behave differently, so some will run okay and others won’t. Again, contacting the manufacturer via their web site may answer these questions and product reviews in some of the hobby magazines will give this information as well.
Higher turnout #s like a #6 or #8 will accommodate just about anything but realize that the higher the turnout #, the more space they need, that is to say they are longer so this may affect your track plan. Generally speaking, using #6 on the mainline is the way to go for track that will be seeing long equipment passing over either leg. You can use a #4 for a mainline siding that would only see shorter equipment such as switchers and box cars.
Hope this helps,
Geof
I can only give you my personal preferences. I model in HO and I like the #6 turnout from Peco or Walthers. The longer the turnout frog, i.e. #6 or higher, the diverging rails are at a smaller angle, therefore the train doesn’t make a sudden change in angle as it crosses the turnout. If you model in other scales, there are great turnouts in your scale. The numbers are the same regardless of scale.
Try not very hardnot to use Number 4 turnouts of any brand they are too sharp of turn for most engines and rolling stock. Use number 6’s or better where ever possible especially in a yard setting. I like the code 83 track because there seems to be a larger and more diverse turnout assortment available. Any brand is OK just make sure its DCC friendly and you can power the frog rail so you don’t stall out over every turnout in the yard. Best Regards ~AlanC.