Will somebody please explain what the difference is between all the different # turnouts?
Frank
From a simple Google search.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railroad_switch
http://www.building-your-model-railroad.com/turnouts.html
http://modeltrains.about.com/od/layoutconstruction/tp/turnouts.htm
Others will have comments.
Rich
The #4 turnout is for every 4" the turnout diverges 1" or for a #6 turnout, for every 6" the turnout diverges 1". The higher the turnout number, the better, as it will allow you to run more equipment on your layout. If you will have large locomotives and 89' and larger rolling stock, I would go with #8 turnouts. If you are going with 40' and shorter rolling stock and diesels with 4 axles (2 per truck) or (a total of 2 or 3 axles like a critter) then #4 turnouts will work fine.