Turnout protocol

[Blind Bruce]

Is is acceptable practice to use the curved portion of a turnout as the main line? The straigtht would go to a spur siding.
BB

[tigerstripe]

I would advise against that. It is standard practice to use the straight leg as the main the diverging route for the siding. Derailments happen by themselves, you don't need to invite them.

[cwclark]

I don't think it's a bad idea..I have a few turnouts that use the curved part on the main..as long as the turnout is sound and in gauge it shouldn't be a problem..if you run prototype speeds and not go thru the turnout like the starship enterprise attempting "warp" drive it should be ok...chuck

[rrinker]

Yup - it's ok to do. I wouldn;t do it for EVERY turnout. The prototype TRIES to always make the straight leg the normal route whenever possible, you should to. But on occasion, things crop up and that can't be done. A recent issue of MR had a picture of the main line taking the curved leg of a turnout in Tony Koester's column.

--Randy

[IRONROOSTER]

The protoype always tried to use the straight leg for the mainline. In the model world, things are much tighter and you may have to route the main through the curved part just to get everything to fit. You want to use as large a turnout as you can.
Enjoy
Paul

[howmus]

I would avoid using the curved portion as the main line whenever possible. I do have a couple places where there was no other choice. In those places, I tried to use the largest number switch that would fit, ie: #6 or #8. A better choice on a curve is to use the curved turnouts where the curve can be maintained and change is gradual no matter which side is the main or the siding. The one I have installed works great!

[tstage]

Bruce,

I concur with Ray. If you can, use a curved turnout (e.g. Walthers/Shinohara) instead of the curved part of a straight turnout.

Tom

[cacole]

I've seen videos of real railroads where the curved portion was the main line when they were really cramped for space, but they try their darndest to use the straight part as the main.

On a model pike, if you use good-quality turnouts such as Peco or Shinohara, having the main on the curved portion is no problem. On our local club layout, we even have Peco double-curved turnouts in a few locations and they have never given us any problems.

[rogerhensley]

I use three Atlas number 6 turnouts with the curved (switched) portin being the main and have had no problem with them. It can be done, just be sure that your turnout works well and is in good condition.

Oh, BTW, they have been in place for 7 or 8 years with no problem. It's my curved Shinohara turnout that I have had the most problems with. :-)

[KKEIFE]

I beleive the one time you might really want to do this is to avoid an S curve.

Based on what I read about avoiding S curves I used a turnout on a curve to ease into a siding so I would not have to put a turnout immediately after the curve and create an S curve.

[Anonymous]

For those of us modelling in tight spaces, this is very handy in a number of situations. It avoids S curves, not only for spurs, but also one or both turnouts can be arranged like this to avoid an S in a crossover.

In tight spaces, its especially useful for going into a short spur. By allowing a straight approach into and through the turnout, it makes it a lot easier to un/couple cars on the siding, rather than trying to do so on a curve.

We drive our trains at slow speeds, so the curved turnout on the main doesn't cause any havoc there.

[jockellis]

If you are doing a switching layout or your turning mainline is in a switching area, the low speeds will mean the trains won't ever know the difference. I've seen some real switching operations where the engines probably have to have a industrial sized containers of Malox to settle the stomachs of the scared engine crews.
Jock Ellis
Cumming, GA US of A

[selector]

I agree with the general consensus here; avoid the arrangement if you can, but go ahead if it works better for your design. Just be aware that your speeds will have to be cut by close to 50% to avoid the occasional derailment. I have one on my main, and it is not really a problem, especially when I approach the heels, and not the points. The other way, my eyes always narrow as the loco approaches.

[nobullchitbids]

I agree, especially re the part about avoiding "s" curves. One point not mentioned yet is that most turnouts have natural easements in them which actually can help tracking by models entering or exiting the curve.

[wccobb]

Those who have seen the many switches just south of Chicago's Union Station know that half of them are "curved side" and ALL are mainline. (Definately reduced speed.) Perfectly true that the prototype preference seems to use the "straight side" for the mainline. It also seems the priority & over-riding cliche might be: "You gotta do whatever you gotta do to get the job done". So build your model railroad your way and have fun !!!!!

[rgbolduc2003]

On the model, sure. The prototype rarely used it because the kink in the stock rail allowed the straight switchpoint to nestle in, protecting the point and reducing wear.

In 1972 I helped replace a switchpoint on the fulll-size Southern Railway. The straight side was in a 10-degree curve - you could tell by the bent stock rail - but it sure looked like the straight side went to the industry!