Convert manual Fastrack O-36 switch to O-48?

[rrlcommish]

So my hobby shop tells me there is a nationwide shortage of Fastrack O-48 right hand switches, and sure enough I can only find very expensive used ones on eBay and they are all command control, I only need manual ones.  Is it possible using geometry to just use an O-36 switch?  The straight part is easy, just add a 5-inch piece.  Is there an easy way to broaden the curve to 48 using small Fastrack pieces?

[ADCX Rob]

Here is the problem, the smallest section of a O36 switch curve already sweeps through 33.75°, and the O48 only sweeps through 30°, so it is already too big to use for anything close to what you are proposing.

[stuartmit]

i believe you would not be happy with the result. I'm not sure how many degrees there are in the 048 switch, but you can can approach the problem to demonstrate what I believe will be an unsatisfactory result as follows. do you have an 072 switch, an 072 curve and an 031 switch? The 031 switch is 45 degrees, while the 072 is 22.5 degrees, so connect it to the 072 swtch. Now lay the 031 on top of the 072 switch ( I realize it is sloppy, but the point will be made).  Now try to imagineer the combination of track you would need to get from the end point of the curved outlet of the o31 switch to the end point of the 072 curve inserted in to the 072.   I believe you will see you need 2 short curves and a short straight, giving you an undesireable  reverse curve which will make for unsatisfacotory operation.

[Flintlock76]

ADCX Rob

Here is the problem, the smallest section of a O36 switch curve already sweeps through 33.75°, and the O48 only sweeps through 30°, so it is already too big to use for anything close to what you are proposing.

 

Mike forgot one physical side-effect, flatulance with a greasy discharge.

Don't ask me how I know...   

[BigAl 956]

There is no good way to 'convert' an O36 to O48. I'm also not sure if lionel made a manual O48 switch. If you can get them, I would reccomend using O36 for now and looking at converting to 48 when we get through this pandemic and shortage. You can recover most of your expense later on if you decide to resell your switches at a later date.