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First, I use H O Scale so that is what I can help you with. With 18" min. (sharp) radius on the mainline, No. 4 turnouts are recommended unless you are constructing a crossover, where you would want to use a pair of No. 6 turnouts. The Atlas Customline #4 turnout is a No 4-1/2 in reality (according to John Armstrong). A No. 4-1/2 is certainly OK for mainlines up to 22 in. rad. curves. From 24 to 30 inch curves, you should consider turnouts larger than No. 4. I have occasionally read about No. 5 turnouts but I haven't bought any yet. At 30" radius, I would try and stick to No. 6 or larger turnouts and I would use No. 8 or larger for crossovers. The reason you want to use larger frog numbers on crossovers is because they comprise a reverse curve, the most troublesome alignment. You may still want to use No. 4 turnouts on freight yard ladders, branch line trackage and freight spurs. I don't recommend using the Atlas Snap Switch because the radius of this switch is quite tight. Stick with the Atlas Customline No. 4 or larger. The equivalent radius of various turnouts are: No. 4 29 in. rad. No. 4-1/2 36 in. rad. No. 5 44 in. rad. No. 6 56 in. rad. No. 8 110 in. rad. The radius of the closure rail is slightly less. Good Luck - Ed
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