I am in the process of laying track and am stuck on the type of turnouts to use. The maximum radius on the curves is 30 degrees so do I use #6 or #8 turnouts and does "remote" mean that it is wired to control from a switch mechanism? Also, I am planning on using DCC for the power to the track but can I use wired switches for the turnouts or do they need to be connected to the DCC system?
I am new to the hobby so please explain things in laymen terms.
Welcome to the forums!
When talking dimensions, curve radius is usually given in inches. Do you mean 30 inch radius? Also, it's important to know what gauge you're working in. 30-inch curves are very good in HO, and terrific in N.
Turnouts should be the biggest that you can get away with. They don't have to "match" the radius of your curves, but of course they've got to fit in your track plan.
Yes, "remote" means that the turnout can (or must) be thrown electrically. This can be done either with a simple toggle switch or through a DCC controller, your choice. Personally, I've got DCC and I prefer a control panel with toggles for my turnouts, but other like the mobility and freedom of being able to throw turnouts from anywhere. You can always wire up the turnouts to a panel and change to DCC at a later date if you'd like.
A lot of modellers also like to control their turnouts manually, with a small lever right at the turnout.
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Welcome to this forum docb. You will find it a very valuable source to help you get underway.
If by "degrees" you are referring to "radius", then the number 6 turnout has been shown on this forum to be approximately a 30 inch radius turnout. A radius is one half of a diameter in case, like me, you slept through geometry.
Remote controlled turnouts are the norm for larger layouts, but hand throws are used for economic reasons on smaller layouts. There are all sorts of powered mechanisms for turnouts, and, yes, they can be operated from a separate power source. Since you are planning to operate in DCC the most sophisticated turn out control is operated by a DCC controlled device that allows one to select the turnout from the control throttle. There are also devices that allow one to set up routes through complicated trackwork, such as to yard and terminal track throats.
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Welcome. For turnout control, I do NOT use my DCC. That is great for trains, but not right for turnouts in my book. I use some Toitise for remote control with an eletrical switch.
BUT, what I like are remore mechanical controls called Hump Yard levers. They look cool, work like the prototype, are easy to install(sort of) and put a prototype set of controls all in one place.
You can see them by googling Hump Yard purveyance. or pasteing this:
www.humpyard.com/hump_yard_purveyance1.htm
docb wrote: I am in the process of laying track and am stuck on the type of turnouts to use. The maximum radius on the curves is 30 degrees so do I use #6 or #8 turnouts and does "remote" mean that it is wired to control from a switch mechanism? Also, I am planning on using DCC for the power to the track but can I use wired switches for the turnouts or do they need to be connected to the DCC system?I am new to the hobby so please explain things in laymen terms.
Welcome. The answer to your DCC turnout control question is that it depends upon the stationary decoder that you use. The decoder takes the DCC signals from your system and actuates your turnouts. Depending upon the decoder they have additional hardwired leads that can go to panel switches for manual control as well as DCC control (you get to choose). WIth some decoders you get to choose where the power comes from to power the turnout motors (i.e. an external power supply or power from the track itself). I like the external supply option because it doesn't take away from track power but I do have one stationary decoder that uses track power. There are other things like local routes and cascading routes that can help in yards. I went the Digitrax DS64 route for my stationary decoders. They power Tortoise switch machines. This is just one option. There are others. Just decide on what features you want. You should keep stationbary decoders in mind as you choose your DCC system. It will be one item on a long list that you will think about when choosing.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
It has been a while, but if you meant to say 30 inch radius then I think you need # 14 frogs if you are in HO.
But check with those in the know because I have not been into HO for a while now.
#4 is 18 inches, # 6 is 20 I think and # 8 is 22 - 24.
I hope someone with the right info answers this for you. :)
I hope that helps.
docb,
I agree with MisterBeasley on using the largest turnout you can as long as it fits your layout. However, for this to work you will probably have to use flextrack. If you are using sectional track a specific turnout may be required.
Yes remote means the turnout is wired. If it is an Atlas turnout they use twin coil machines to throw the turnout. They require momentary switches and use AC current to operate.
If you are using tortoise switch machines you will need DC current and DPDT or SPDT toggle switches to operate them. If using tortoise switch machines you will not need remote switches since the tortoise machine will be the switching device.
In any case I would not use the DCC system for switching turnouts. I think it's more of a hassle to remember the number I've given each switch, then having to program that into the cab prior to your train entering the turnout. It's easier just throwing a toggle switch.
Bill