turnouts

[full maxx]

what is the length (inches) of the #6 left & right turnouts

[ebtbob]

Can I assume you are asking about EZ Track turnouts since this is a Bachmann site?   If not, for which manufacturer are you interested in having measurements?

[full maxx]

yes I'm asking about Bachmann I want to expand a little

[Joe Satnik]

Dear FM,

Though you can't always trust the pictures in the product section,

(you'd be surprised at how many photo-shopped fantasies or obsolete items are shown),

I count 62 ties along the main (straight) route of the 44560 #6 right turnout.  

In general, (not always) HO EZ-Track ties are spaced 1/4" apart.   62 x 1/4" =  15-1/2"  

I would guess 15-1/2".

Hope this helps.

Does anyone out there own a #6 turnout, or have access to one and could measure its length for us?

Thanks.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik  

[full maxx]

thanks alot Joe

[jward]

by comparison, an atlas #6 is 12" on the straight, and 10" on the curve. wonder why the significant difference in dimensions between the atlas & bachmann? 15 1/2" sounds more like a #8 than a #6.....

[full maxx]

not sure but I will only get #6 turnouts and crossovers ...my biggest engine so far is a Berkshire 2-8-4 so anything smaller/tighter will cause derailing issues and my 4yo don't want hear it

[Joe Satnik]

A reply from a knowledgeable and helpful friend:

"Bachmann HO E-Z Track # 6 Turnout (Item No. 44560 and 44559)
Through Stock Rail is 15-1/2" long.
Divergent Frog Rail is 8" long measured from the point of the frog (not from the frog piece-rail gap).

The measurements were made on an actual track piece using a metal tape measure. So the measurements are not precise. But they are usable in track layout geometry."

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik

[jward]

so what is the point to frog distance? for a number 6 it should be in the vicinity of 7 or 8 inches.....

that 8 inches you quote is the rail beyond the frog?

[Joe Satnik]

Dear J,

The picture in the products section seems accurate. 

Use Ctrl+  to enlarge,

Ctrl- to shrink

Ctrl0 to reset to normal. 

The ties are 1/4 inch on center. 

Make your own ruler with a piece of paper and pencil on your screen.     

Let us know what you measure. 

[jward]

estimated by counting ties......

6" point to frog point, 2 1/4" point to hinge point.

these dimensions are similar to a peco medium, also nominally a number 6. the atlas 6 has a longer point to frog and thus a gentler curve through the switch. the peco 6 has a constant 36" radius......

interesting how different manufacturers can make the same number switch yet have completely different dimensions.....

[Nigel]

...... switch. the Peco 6 has a constant 36" radius......

Peco does not call it a #6 because it is not.  They only use the frog number designation on their code 83 North American line of track, not their code 100 and code 75; which follows British practice of radius-ed turnouts rather than the North American practice of angled turnout.