atlas no. 6 switch in ho scale

[KuhlZR5]

Does anyone know the approximate radius (in inches) of an Atlas No. 6 swtich in ho scale? Thanks

[Medina1128]

My guess would be either 22 or 24 inches.

[Anonymous]

you would think i would know this for shure because i have somewere around 20 of them but i don,t

but i do think i remember them being 22"

[dehusman]

Aside from the fact that it doesn't have a "radius" (both routes are straight from the frog to the ends of the track, the only parts that are curved are between the frog and points) it would be closest to a fairly large radius curve, something on the order of 36-40". I have found that a Walther's #5 works pretty well as a lead into a 27-30" radius curve.

If you put a "regular" switch other than a Peco switch into a curve you will have a kink in the curve (about a 6 in flat spot) unless you modify the switchbut cutting the connectors between the ties on the diverting route and bending the diverting route to more closely fit the radius.

By the way, not having a curve through the switch is prototypical. Real switches are flat through the points and through the frog.

Dave H.

[Medina1128]

And I also that the diverging end of the Atlas #6 are different. On the custom-line, it is a little shorter than the super switch, or vice-versa.

[rrinker]

Read and heed Dave's reply.

The radii equivalent for various numbered turnouts is in a chart in John Armstrong's Track Planning for Realistic Operation, and I think also printed in his Creative Model Railroad Design book a well. For a #6 it is quite large, which is why he recommends #8 and #10 ONLY for appearance unless you are building your layout in a gymnasium and have room for 60" or better minimum radius (in HO). Even at 30" minimums, the curve of a #6 is still enough larger to give an easement effect. At Atlas Custom-Line #4's really have a frog angle of 4.5 so they are a bit gentler then other #4's.

--Randy

[KuhlZR5]

Thanks for the input guys. The reason I asked is I'm trying build and design at the same time and needed to know so I could layout the centerline for the roadbed.

Jeremy