Source for 3 way turnout?

[Anonymous]

I am building my layout with USA Aristocraft track but I have a situation where I would really like to use a 3 way turnout to conserve space at the entry point to a yard. Aristo does not make one. I don't care if it matches the USA tie spacing or not.
Does anyone make one ready to go? If not, are there any kits that would let me build it myself? I have never built a turnout and have no desire to make my own but I am willing to tackle it if that is my only option.

[Chompers]

LGB makes one,but it is in R1.


Thought it might help

[Anonymous]

R1...hummmm. I don't think my Dash 9's will like a R1. I was hoping for something more generous like the Aristo wide radius (10') or a #6.

[grandpopswalt]

Hey Guys,

Please enlighten me. Does R1 refer to a 1 meter radius? and R2 a 2 meter radius and soforth?

Thanks

Walt

[Anonymous]

Oldokie
If you wish you can contact me of Forum and I will discuss with you your requirements. No L.S manufacturer makes what it is you require except for the aftermarket makers.
Grant Kerr

[cacole]

I ran into the same problem trying to get a Y turnout -- I don't know why AristoCraft doesn't make one. LGB turnouts look too much like old Lionel toy train products.

[kstrong]

"R1", "R2", etc., are LGB's way of naming their curve radii.

From LGB's web site:

DIAMETER MEASURED CENTER OF TRACK-TO-CENTER OF TRACK
R1 = 1200 mm (approx. 4' dia.)
R2 = 1560 mm (approx. 5' dia.)
R3 = 2390 mm (approx. 7.8' dia.)
R5 = 4640 mm (approx. 15' dia.)

Note that no other manufacturer actually uses this nomenclature to describe their turns, but some have adapted what's known as the "R1 rule," whereby any piece of rolling stock has to operate over a 4' diameter curve.

Aristocraft labels their curved track in terms of the actual curve radius. (i.e. 5', 10', etc.) Note that with the exception of the 4' diameter curves used primarily in starter sets, there is no identical curve radius offered by more than one manufacturer.

You'll also notice curves shown in terms of degrees, (i.e. R3 - 22.5°) This is a measurement of the angle that the curve makes in that given section. If you divide 360 by the degree of curvature on the given section, you'll find out how many sections you'll need to make a complete circle. (360/22.5=16) This comes in handy when mixing different radii, but still wanting to complete a full circle (or semi circle). If you have four 30° sections of R2 curve, and you want to fini***he semi-circle with a wider R3 curve as a transition, you'll need an additional 15° to equal the 180° curve. You could get 2 sections of R5 track that curve 7.5° to make this up, and you'll have a very smooth transition curve going into the tighter R2 curve. (R5, R3, R2, R2, R2, R2, R3, R5)

Later,

K

[Rastun]

K,

While we are on the subject, do you know why in large scale they list all the curves in Diameters instead of Radius'?

Thanks,

Jack

[kstrong]

Probably because we're already confused with this whole scale/gauge thing. [:P]

I don't really know for sure, but it likely stems from LGB, and their listing curve sizes based on diameter. If you're a competing manufacturer, and promoting curves that are broader than what LGB offers, then it's wise to measure them with the same standard. A 5' radius curve is larger than a 7.8' diameter curve, but people respond only to the numbers, and 7.8 is bigger than 5. Details like the difference between diameter and radius? Nah, not important, eh? [;)] List the 5' radius curve as 10' diameter, and it clears the picture nicely.

Later,

K

[Anonymous]

Why do it ? This will be an added complication you don't need, it will be a constant source of irritation to you I promise irrespective of any brand involved!

I haven't got one for good reason; and I I haven't got one then it is really not worthwhile.


Rgds Ian

[Anonymous]

The LGB three way turn out is a bit pricy for me! I could get two or three cars for that price. Anyone have one and care to testify...

Capt Carrales

[vsmith]

The LGB 3-way is only 4 foot diameter, it will cause almost all of the newer larger engine to leap off the track in an ugly mess. The only thing other than scratchbuilding a wide radius 3-way is to modify your layout plan to use 2 aristo wide radius turnouts...

add these to the wish list..

wide radius 3 way turnout

curved turnouts .... R1 and wide radius

[bman36]

QUOTE: Originally posted by vsmith

The LGB 3-way is only 4 foot diameter, it will cause almost all of the newer larger engine to leap off the track in an ugly mess. The only thing other than scratchbuilding a wide radius 3-way is to modify your layout plan to use 2 aristo wide radius turnouts...

add these to the wish list..

wide radius 3 way turnout

curved turnouts .... R1 and wide radius

Vic,
As the hobby grows I feel it is only a matter of time until we see these items added to the store shelves. [tup] It was'nt until you mentioned it that I realized we do not have any curved turnouts! Hmmmmm. Later eh...Brian. [:D]

[Anonymous]

Curved Turnouts? Yup, make them too. So does Stretch at CC&OC but I can't vouch for his availability. Mine are on a 1600 curve on the inner and can be had at Eldorado Railways for North American people. http://www.ngrail.com/page.php?type=turnouts
Oldokie.
I have started on a 3 way using #6 frogs. May be a couple of weeks but thanks for the enquiry anyway. Guess it was all I needed to get moving on it. heheheh
Grant

[Anonymous]

All Special Turnout AT this adress:

http://www.thiel-gleis.de/html/start.html


3 Way turnout T/N 300, 15°, Radius 200 cm, Länge 75 cm