I've been working on a layout module with a station / yard ladder (see Springfield Union Station on my website - oh, the station now spans two 80in modules).
Using Atlas RightTrack I've noticed that the track spacing is never less than 2.7 inches in their cross-overs. Is this typical of all brands of switches. It is only an issue on the parallel mainline, station lead tracks where I wanted to keep to 2" spacing (spacing on other tracks has to allow for station platforms).
Also, will No. 4 switches handle the long Amtrak cars (scale 85ft)? or should I stay with No. 6. I am keeping all curves to 24in min radius.
Co-owner of the proposed CT River Valley RR (HO scale) http://home.comcast.net/~docinct/CTRiverValleyRR/
What turnouts are you selecting with RTS? Standard 'Customline' turnouts should give you about 2"-OC. Sounds like you are selecting the 'Snap-Switch' turnouts. Also you want at least a #6 so you can run you Amtrak cars.
Jim Bernier
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
hi,
not typical at all; 2" spacing is fine but add some in curves. How much depends on the radius and the equipment used. (with the long coaches and a 24" radius 2.5" spacing will do, but try it out first)
A 24" radius goes with a #5 switch in normal situations; when an S-curve is involved (with a crossover) you'll need a #6. Tony Koester had in MRP, long time ago two pictures posted, showing a passenger train on the VO negotiating a #6 and a #8 crossover. What a difference it made; if you have the space use #6 for standard situations and #8 for crossovers.
Keep smiling and have fun
Paul
Hmmm...sounds like something's fishy with RTS. Atlas turnouts should give you a 2 inch spacing. The only exception is a double crossover...which has a spacing of 3 inches.
While the Atlas #4s (actually a 4.5) will probably handle the 85 foot car, you'll be much happier with the #6s. The car will operate and look much better. As Paul said, if you have the space #8s are even better.
Nick
Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/
One wee bit of caution, eh? Even with #6's don't even think of backing a long consist (8 cars?) on crossovers....you will put cars on the ground! I learned this the hard way at a show! By all means consider using #8's ( or better yet, #10's) as it makes for a beautiful flowing rather than a jerking motion. One other thing with 85 footers...don't try to mix cars with body mount couplers and those with truck mounted...you will come to grief! John
A crossover is an S curve: to work without grief the tangent length between frogs should approximate the length of the longest car (with body-mounted couplers) that will use it. If you are using commercial turnouts and two inch track spacing, that means high-number turnouts if you run 85 foot passenger cars.
If your cars have truck-mounted couplers, they will pass through almost anything - but will look seriously ugly if you use low-number turnouts.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - on hand-laid specialwork of no particular frog #)