When I purchased my first set my hobby store suggested number 4 switches due to long passenger car and 22 inch radius curved track. I am now ready to expand and noticed there is no price differential between number 4 and 5 switches. What is the difference? Is the length of the track the same and what do you recommend. Thank you.
#5's are better the larger the number the better for larger engines and passenger cars and rolling stock.
Is there any difference in the length of the track?
#5's would probably be a bit longer due to the more gradual divergent route.
#5 turnouts are 11 1/2" long.
I found this old post about turnout lengths.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,12439.0.html (http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,12439.0.html)