Bachmann EZ track switches ...turnout curves

[Ralph S]

After reading the post Switch Radius using #5 turnouts (under General Discussion) I came to realization that there are no EZ track turnout curve switches.  Why is there are no EZ track turnout switch curves?

The image shows two Fleischmann 6142 HO Profi-Track curved switches.  These switches have a roadbed but are thinner than EZ track.  The rails are code 100 just like EZ track.  Yes, that means that the EZ track connector tab does not interfere with the rail connections.  Actually, the EZ track tab provides support to the Fleischmann track.  I use these curved tracks as shown minus the popsicle supports where there will be a small stream/creek type covert will be.
Sorry got off the subject. 

To my disappointment, Fleischmann has discontinued their HO scale track.  Since I was never associated with real railroads, are curved switches only allowed in European countries? 
This is where EZ track could fill the gap and provide HO scale curved EZ track switches.

Bachmann are you listening....

[Len]

Bachmann probably does not offer curved turnouts because the demand isn't high enough to justify the cost of tooling up to make them. Several other manufactures offer curved turnouts, only the majority of them are in Code 83 rail size.  Atlas and Peco both offer curved turnouts in Code 100 rail, but without roadbed. Shinohara used to offer curved turnouts in their Code 100 line, but that entire line was dropped in favor of Code 83 rail. You may find the Code 100 versions on eBay, but they tend to be pricey.

Len

[jward]

Years ago a number of manufacturers offered 18-22 inch radius curved switches, but I haven't seen them new in a while. 18-22 corresponds to the two most common radii in sectional track. The biggest problem I see with the currently available curved switches is that they are of uncommon radii, or degrees of curvature and thus do not work easily with sectional track. This isn't a problem for more advanced modelers who tend to use flexible track cut to fit the situation, but for a beginner trying to keep things simple it can be frustrating.




https://www.ebay.com/itm/187840650261?msockid=35b3f0e29a8a603a274be6339bcd6188

[Ralph S]

Well, I guess this post can be relegated to history with the knowledge that curved turnout switches were rare from the start, and companies are dropping (curtailing mass production) of curved switches and definitely eliminating the ballasted versions.  I will state that the ballasted curved track switches I have work great with sectional EZ track, they are 18-radius, and do not require the flexible track unless that's what one uses.

What the curved switches allow is the transition to parallel track right in the curve and not at the curve ends.  This makes it easier to get the longest straight parallel track on a 4x8 section. 

[jward]

I agree with their usefulness in tight situations like that  crossover. That is why I invested in the jigs to make my own. My new layout will have 8 of them, including one in a crossover as you described. Another place they come in handy is extending a passing track into a curve. When you have a single track mainline, you live and die by the length of your passing tracks. If using curved switches gains you an extra carlength or two it's worth the investment.