CShaveRR wrote: Sounds like a modeling question, which can usually be better answered on the Model Railroader Forum.However, the lower the "number" (actually a ratio--the number is the denominator of a fraction) of the switch, the sharper the curve is. On the prototype, you'll seldom find any switches with single-digit frogs.
Sounds like a modeling question, which can usually be better answered on the Model Railroader Forum.
However, the lower the "number" (actually a ratio--the number is the denominator of a fraction) of the switch, the sharper the curve is. On the prototype, you'll seldom find any switches with single-digit frogs.
Those are streetcar turnouts.
In the real world, a #5 or a #6 turnout is a nightmare that you do not want under a freight or passenger rail car. Santa Fe got as low as a #6.5 and most other railroads use a 7. Anything less than a #10 would only be found in yards and backtracks (10 MPH or less - low speed only, in a main track application the point of frog would be a battered/broken mess).
What's with this radius crap? Real railroaders use degree of curve. Inches? - Yech!, must be one of thos poor souls brainwashed by a derned architect. (Decimal Feet, unless you want to go nuts manipulating fractions doing equations/addition/subtraction all day)
Equivilent curve for a No. 6 turnout is a radius of 339.00 Ft. (With a lead curve radius, between the heel of switch and the toe of frog of 258.57 feet), a No. 5 is even sharper on both accounts. (Rio Grande's NG did use a 4.5 turnout)
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
Hello All,
I'm confused as to whether I can use #5 and/or #6 turnouts with 22" radius track.
I want to run longer passenger cars. Will #5 provide a less drastic curve then #6.
Thanks.
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