Turnouts…Is one brand better to use than another?

[ereimer]

from reading other threads here i've learned that atlas code 83 flex track has taller ties than most other manufacturers , so it you use a different brand of turnout you'll need to shim them up a bit

[pcarrell]

I should probably add that on my own layout that i just dismantled (N scale) I run Atlas code 55 #7's and Micro Engineering code 70 #7 turnouts. On the new one that I'm still planning I will add to the list a Shinohara 3 way turnout.

[DigitalGriffin]

So far I've only laid 10 turnouts. So take my advice with a grain of salt based on many opinions and articles I have read...

The favorite these days seems to be Peco. However if you want to use switch machines like the tortoise, you'll need to pop the throw spring.

Several people on here love the detail of the ties on Shinohara/Walthers. Some people love the extra details on the Microengineering. But each is more delicate and expensive.

Code 83 Atlas is fine sturdy reliable turnout (from everything I read). Code 100 atlas is a little wide at the guide rail and should be shimmed.

If using short wheelbase locos (ie: 0-4-0, 0-6-0) I recommend getting a power routed electro (live) frog. (Power to the frog is dependent on the throw direction)

www.wiriingfordcc.com is your best friend.

Kalbaach also has a book on track laying that covers the various brands of track. and John Armstrongs book, "Traack planning for realistic operation" is an essential must read for understanding turnouts and actual versus perceived turnout radiuses.

[pcarrell]

kchronister,

You bring up some excellent points. And your response was well thought out as well. Thank you for building on, and clarifying my comments.

Bill54,

See what i mean about this being tricky business?

kchronister's comments are right on the money.

There's a lot of variables to this turnout thing.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by pcarrell
...

As to the number (angle of the departure rail to the main) of the turnout, I'd use the largest turnouts that you can fit in your space. Number 7's or larger on the mains, and number 5's or larger in the yards. If you can use number 10's or 12's on the main it would not only look much better, but it will work with your equipment better too.

I hope this answers some of your questions. If not, ask away, and we'll give it another shot.

As for frog number of the turnout, I concur that 'higher is better'. And my recommendations are similar to pcarrell's, though in a slightly wider "range." (I'd say #4-5 for yards and #6-7-8 for mainline)

BUT... Make sure you keep to reason. Realize that higher number turnouts take dramatically more linear space with each step up in frog angle. So let's say you must change your design from 28" to 22" radius curves to accommodate #8 turnouts... that makes no sense... Here's my reason:

One of the confusions is that the diverging part of turnouts aren't constant "curves" (except for 18" radius 'snap-switch' turnouts, but forget about those). You can't say "the diverging track of a #4 turnout is equal to a 22" radius curve." Turnouts are generally more complex and aren't a constant curve, and because of this, they tend to be a little "harder" on rolling stock than a similar-in-divergence piece of curved track.

Having said that... try laying a #4 turnout on top of a piece of 22" radius track... You'll find that they're similar in 'curve' radius... and that the turnout's diverging path is perhaps even a little less 'curved' than the curved track...

My point? Say that we play around and discover that a #6 turnout is roughly similar to a 28" radius curve... Okay, cool. But at the same time, it starts to illustrate why having #8 turnouts on a layout with 22" radius curves is becoming a bit of overkill (other than visually). You're using turnouts that are several steps more navigable than your main track.

So in the end, I'm simply suggesting that you should seek a happy medium of your turnout angles and your track radius, not take one to an extreme at the expense of the other. In short... I say don't start cutting track radius to minimal levels to accommodate very high-number turnouts; conversely you wouldn't use snap-switches in order to facilitate 32" radius curves (though most people get this one innately)

[pcarrell]

The short answer is,.....Yes.

The long answer is,...... the best turnout is the one that works best for you. (I should be a politician!).

Really, there's a lot that goes into the decision of which turnout is best.

All turnouts that I know of can be DCC controlled. It's just that some are easier then others to do that with. It's not the controlling part that makes it difficult per say, but more the level of DCC compatability that is the main factor. Some turnouts are not as "DCC friendly" as others, and so they require some modification to make them work. Once they are DCC friendly, then it's just a matter of adding the right switch machine and adding a stationary decoder to it so that you can control it from the cab. Let me pass along one of my favorite web sites on the subject. It's;

http://www.wiringfordcc.com/

There is a section just for turnouts.

As far as what brands hold up best to usage, most are pretty good. Atlas holds up very well, as does Peco. Shinohara is good as well. Micro Engineering will give years of service if you take good care of them. As to any others, I don't have any expierience, so I'll refrain from comment.

As to the number (angle of the departure rail to the main) of the turnout, I'd use the largest turnouts that you can fit in your space. Number 7's or larger on the mains, and number 5's or larger in the yards. If you can use number 10's or 12's on the main it would not only look much better, but it will work with your equipment better too.

I hope this answers some of your questions. If not, ask away, and we'll give it another shot.

[Bill54]

I’m a newbie in Model Railroading and need advice from all of you that have been there, done that. I know mistakes are part of the learning process but if I can eliminate some it would be nice.

I’m gathering the track for my layout and wanted to know if one manufacturer’s turnout is better to use than another’s. I am using Atlas code 83 Flex Track. Should I use the Atlas turnouts or use another manufacturer’s such as Peco or another brand?

I’ve read in several different threads where some people use different manufacturer’s turnouts in their layout. So I ask the question is it better to use a particular brand or type of turnout in a certain situation. For the yard which is better? Which is best when switching from the mainline to secondary lines. Or does it matter?

I will be using Digitrax DCC and wanted to control the turnouts from the cab if that’s possible.

Any advice / information is greatly appreciated.

Bill