What is the length of the short sections of straight track if I purchase a #5 or #6 turnout and the reason for that short section?
If you flip the short section over, you'll find a scribe lines on each side regular track sections don't have. They are a guide for cutting the roadbed it will fit the diverging route correctly. It'd be nice if instructions were included on the packaging.
Len
Thanks. So what is the length of those short sections, what are they accomplishing on both the 5 & 6 turnouts? Is there somewhere that I can find this info?
Try attaching a regular piece of track to the diverging leg of a #5 turnout. You'll find the road gets in the way, so you can't connect it properly. The included short section is to give you a piece of track that has the correct angle to cut on already marked, so you don't have to experiment with a regular section. You could also use it as a guide to make a cardboard template for cutting the correct angle on any other track section you wanted to attach to the #5.
Len
I understand that the short piece is for attaching to the divergent side. I am trying to design my layout before purchasing any track with the anyrail program. I would like to know the length of that short section of the 5 & 6 so I could look in the library and put that piece into the plan if Bachmann sells that item as a stand alone product. Does that short piece make a certain radius comparable to the number of the turnout? Does it make the final result parallel to the main line? Thanks.
The short piece is straight, and just extends the length of the diverging leg while "blending" the roadbed. I don't have a #5 to be able to measure the short section, but it looks about 1-3/4" long in the picture.
If you want to use a curve section instead, you'd have to cut the angle on the roadbed yourself.
The angle of a #5 switch is 12 degrees, which doesn't match any of the smaller radius curves. So if you want to use a curve to create a parallel track, you'll have to cut one down yourself. It's not hard to do, I explained the technique to someone else here: http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,29354.msg216104.html#msg216104 (http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,29354.msg216104.html#msg216104)
For operational reliability, I would suggest cutting down a 22" radius curve, rather than an 18" radius curve.
Len
Per my tech notes -- The short straight included with the Bachmann HO # 5 and #6 turnout is 2.25" long.
With a Bachmann HO E-Z Track #5 turnout use
one 2.25" straight item no 44513
one 33.25" radius 12 degree curve track item no. 44509
to bring the divergent back to parallel.
12 degree 33.25"
/
2.25"
/
#5 === 9" straight
I have not looked at #6 turnout but experiment using Item no. 44530 - one-third section 18" radius curved track in place of Item 44509
Hunt,
No disagreement about the 33.25" curve, if you can live with the giagantic center-to-center spacing between the parallel tracks.
I suggest cutting down a 22" radius curve to leave space on a small layout for buildings and such.
Len
Man all of that is too much engineering for me since that's all i do day long.
Thanks for every ones help. I will continue forward.
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Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik