The disadvantage of using 022 switches in this application is the switch motor takes a ton of space on one side of the switch. I am using a bunch of the 3010-3011 switches for that very reason. I didn't bother trying to get the extra .211 inches, my tracks are spaced the way they fall with just the two switches.
o You can use 6-23010 and 6-23011 turnouts, which have a 30-degree curve instead of the 45 degrees of the older 022 turnouts. Mate these with 30-degree curved sections. A 30-degree O31 curve measures 7.321 inches from one end to the other of the center rail. This will give you a spacing of 3.789 inches. If you want exactly 4 inches, add .243 inches of straight between the two curves (or just make the center rail of the curved section 1/4-inch longer).
o You can cut down 022 turnouts to 30 degrees and use them as described above.
o If you want exactly 4 inches, you can cut down 022 turnouts and curved sections to 30.843 degrees. A 30.843-degree O31 curve measures 7.521 inches from one end to the other of the center rail.
Bob Nelson
To the OP...........
Right Church, wrong pew! Richotrain is right on target!
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
You should move this thread to the Classic Toy Trains forum where you will get some answers from the 3-rail crowd.
Rich
Alton Junction
Using Lionel O gauge tubular track, how can I get to a 4" center to center track spread coming off a O- 31 switch? Happy to cut track. Duerk
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