Hi, I have the bachmann ez track 28" radius and larger curves on my layout. I want to add a larger outside track. What turnout do I need to get in order to do that? I dont think the standard 18" turnouts will work or will they? If they do not which turnout do I need to get. I have HO scale on a dc layout. Thanks.
Dear Al,
John Armstrong, in his book "Track Planning For Realistic Operation" 3rd Ed. shows the
"Radius of the Closure Rail" (RCR) as the minimum radius of a numbered turnout.
A number 5 has a 26" RCR, and a number 6 has a 43" RCR.
Since you don't want to reduce your layout's minimum radius from 28"R, you should use #6 turnouts or crossovers.
2 options:
1. A pair of left #6 turnouts (with insulated rail connectors between the divergent routes) to cross from the inside loop to the outside loop,
plus a pair of right #6 turnouts (with insulated rail connectors between the divergent routes) to cross from outside to inside.
This gives 4" spacing between track center lines, and is 30-15/16" long, according to the track CAD program AnyRail.com.
2. A left #6 crossover, modified (divergent rails and certain under-track foils cut) for DC Block operation, to cross from inside to outside,
plus a right #6 crossover, modified (divergent rails and certain under-track foils cut) for DC Block operation, to cross from outside to inside.
This gives 2-3/8" center line spacing, and is 21-1/4" long. (Courtesy AnyRail.com)
Either way, you would need to wire in an Atlas #215 Selector for 2 cab (throttle) control of up to 4 blocks of track.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik