installing turnouts mid-curve (n-scale)

[Anonymous]

Is there anything to keep in mind when installing a turnout mid curve?

I am building a small n scale layout, with 12" rad. curves. I need to install a turnout to create a passing siding. (Basically a glorified oval with a turnout on the curve)

Any and all advice greatly appreciated, as always!

Tony.

[retsignalmtr]

you don't say what brand of track you are using. atlas #4's have a 19" radius on the curved leg. larger numbered turnouts have a larger radius. you could put the switch ahead of the curve, or put the curved leg in the curve. there are some makers that have double radius switches with both legs curved. peco is one.

[egmurphy]

You don't mention if you're using sectional track or flex track.

I have a few of these. I kind of wish I didn't, but hey, when you're trying to squeeze stuff in sometimes you just have make compromises. I'm using Atlas flex track and the hardest part for me was getting the end of the curved flex track exactly aligned with the switch with no kink. The flex track tends to want to spring back straight. I'm also laying the track on cork roadbed over foam. I wound up drilling holes in the last 3 or 4 ties to be able to spike it and get it to hold it's shape until the glue dried. Maybe if I was spiking directly into wood it would tend to hold better, but the foam doesn't seem all that strong (ergo the extra holes and track nails).

I had to redo a couple of these. I thought I had it pretty well aligned, but when I ran test trains over the switches you could see the engines/cars jerk from the almost invisible kink.

I suppose if one were using sectional track this problem wouldn't exist. But you still have to ensure the sectional track is correctly aligned.

So there's one bit of advice.

Regards,

Ed

[Anonymous]

Sorry, let me clarify my question.

I am using Atlas code 80 flex track with #4 turnouts, foam roadbed on top of 1" clad-mate styrofoam.
The intended position of the turnout is on a semi-circle curve on one side of an oval, to create a passing siding and yard entry/industrial district. The layout size is limited to 30" x 80" so I wanted the passing siding to start on the curve to maximize the length. The curve is a 12" radius.
I suppose I could use sectional track, but I wanted to keep the number of joints to a minimum, and if this is not an ideal situation I am open to any suggestions.
(Wouldn't be the first thing I've had to replan on this attempted layout! )

Thanks for your input.

Tony

[retsignalmtr]

i'm using atlas code 80 flex and #4 and #6 switches on my layout. as i said before the #4's have a 19 inch radius on the curved part. you could use a #4 switch as the first section of the curve and match the 12 inch radius curved flex track from there and use the straight portion of the switch to lead into the passing track with a curve radius of 14 or 15 inches. if you are using a right hand switch on one end of the curve you would need a left hand switch on the other

[Anonymous]

thanls for the input, I'll give it a go. May look for the double radius switch, I had not seen such a beast.

Thanks again

Tony

[Don Gibson]

Switches on a curve Creates more derailment possibiliites.
LOOK FOR turnouts with 'curved frogs'.