Turnout Sizes?

[Anonymous]

You're absolutely right Aggro...I have a real soft spot for big steamers and I have a J1 and a C&O T1 coming.

In a previous thread we talked about track and I had said that I had decided to use ME code 83 track. One of my reasons for planning with #6's is ME's lack of anything larger. The track article in this months MR about laying track was a real help, but I'm not sure I have the skills at this point to lay one of those Central Valley turnout kits...

[AggroJones]

Is the "10 coupled steamer" you're talking about a PRR J1? Or a little Russian Decapod? If you mean large, large steam locomotives with rigid wheel bases, go with #8. Remember, if you have the room, wider is always better.

[johncolley]

Hey, guys, if you're into code 83 the walthers #10's are great for mainline crossovers and sidings for passenger stations and freight A/D tracks. Then use #8's for the ladders and head end traffic. Save the #6's and #4's for service trackage (ie: sand/oil at engine terminals and for industrial spurs. Trains just look so much better on larger number turnouts, and you can actually back a long cut of 85' cars ( like from a passenger yard into a station) over them without derailing.

[IRONROOSTER]

#6's should work. John Armstrongs book Track Planning for Realistic Operation lists #6's as having a RCR (radius of closure rail) of 43" in HO, which should be enough. Of course for appearance #8's or bigger would be better.
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

I used # 8's I have a dbl crossover and its only avaiable in a #6
# 4 wyes
basically the biggest I could fit

not sure if I could have done 10 or 12
but I think I would have had to handlay them
and I might do that when I get my 40 x 40 layout room
this one now is just hobby time

[Anonymous]

I've been noticing that more people are using larger tunrouts (i.e No. 8's). I used to think that No. 6's were rather large for MRR use. I'm just wondering whether the No.6's will handle ten coupled steamers OK? I've done my layout planning with No. 6's, but it wouldn't be TOO hard to redo it with 8's.

Would it be worth it?