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5 Responses to No. 4 and 6 Turnouts
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Yes, there is a difference. I built my first layout with #4 turnouts and had nothing but problems. My locomotives would derail going through them. Nothing I tried that individuals on YouTube worked. So I ripped it all up and redesigned with #6 turnouts. Working great now.
The turn out numbers reflect the points size, a number 4, from my understanding, are good for marshalling yards. Number 6s you’d put on a main line, the have a wider curve, easier for a faster train to take the curve 😉.
Fairly simple. #4 turnouts have a sharp curve, #6 have a larger curve. So, if you are building a small layout with 18″ radius curved track, then #4 is OK. If you want larger curves, say 24″ to 36″, then #6 are better. To use 18″ curves and #4 turnouts will require you to run smaller engines and cars. And tend to make you feel like they are more toy like. The larger the better.
Agree with the above.
Also, those wider turns (#6) don’t place as much lateral (sideways) stress on couplers and wheel flanges, and switch points, so derailments are far less common. Use the larger number if you can and ENJOY!!!
Unless things have changed, I discovered the #6 turnouts are not DCC friendly. My EP718-15 must have power at all connections in order to maintain engine performance.