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I agree that you should read John Armstrong's book. Assuming you are in HO Scale, remember that the Atlas #4 Customline series turnout is actually a number 4-and-a-half frog. If you join the NMRA you will receive their standard dimensions of a variety of turnouts which should be fine for planning purposes. <br /> <br />Yes, the 'curved' leg of the turnout is actually made of a curved portion and a straight (tangent) portion. My recollection is that an Atlas #4(1/2) turnout has a radius of closure rail equal to 22 inches, but after considering the tangent portion, the 'substitution radius' is 36 inches. So an Atlas #4(1/2) is comparable to a 22 inch radius curve, although I encourage you to use #6s if it doesn't cause you any undue sacrifices. Incidently, turnouts often make good transition curves when placed properly at the beginning (or end) of a curve. I believe the substitution radius for the Atlas #6 is 60 inches and the radius of the closure rail is something tighter than that. <br /> <br />Good Luck - The Other Ed
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