Atlas Turnout Angles

[Anonymous]

I am returning to the hobby after several years away from it. I am planning a layout and was wondering if anyone could tell me at what angle the #4 and #6 Atlas Turnouts deflect from the main line? I plan on using #6 turnouts on my main line and #4's in my yard/staging area's. I also may need a couple of turnouts on a curve. Can anyone tell me what radius to use?
This site is great! I have read so much helpful info on it. Will be looking for fellow modeler's in Utah. If your are from Utah, drop me a line. Thanks in advance for your help.

[IRONROOSTER]

Welcome back. I recommend John Armstong's book "Track Planning for Realistic Operation". This is the best book I've seen in 30 years in the hobby for help/understanding in planning a layout. The number of the turnout is how long a distance is required to achieve 1 unit of separation. A #4 takes 4 inches of length to separate 1 inch. Note this is from the frog. The NMRA's site www.nmra.org has a Standards and RPs section that has a lot of information also. RP11 is the recommended curves/turnouts for different classes of equipment. See http://www.nmra.org/standards/rp-11.html

To oversimplify for HO you can use 18" radius and #4 turnouts with short equipment 40' cars and 50' cars and short engines - switching diesels such as SW1s and 2-6-0, 4-4-0 steam engines. 22"/24" radius, #5 turnouts for medium length and 30" -36" radius with #6/#7 turnouts for the longest engines and cars. But check the references above. Using a larger radius and turnout improves appearance.

Enjoy
Paul