#5 switch

[full maxx]

Will the Acela Express and the Berkshire 2-8-4 take a #5 switch or is it too tight of a turn out

[ABC]

I would use a #6 turnout if I were you because of the length of the passenger cars among other issues.

[full maxx]

#6 it is and thanks ABC

[ABC]

#6 it is and thanks ABC

Good Luck

[full maxx]

I wish a #5 would work well as there is a hobby store not too far away that has the #5's for $21 bucks each

[Joe Satnik]

Dear full maxx,

The "Radius of the Closure Rail" (RCR) is the tightest radius any loco or rolling stock will see or experience traversing a numbered turnout. 

According to John Armstrong in "Track Planning for Realistic Operation, 3rd Edition" Pg. 78:

Turnout #, RCR (HO scale)

4,      15"
4.5,   22"  (Atlas #4 is actually a #4.5)
5,      26"
6,      43"
8,      67"

If you are careful not to create an "S-curve" with the divergent route of the turnout, the number 5 should be good for 26" minimum radius. 

If you are trying to create a crossover with two (which creates an "S-curve"), you are probably better off with a single number 6 crossover.

Hope this helps. 

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik

[full maxx]

no it would be a turn out for another loop or half loop, not a crossover

[ABC]

no it would be a turn out for another loop or half loop, not a crossover

So, what Joe is saying is that a #5 would be acceptable, but not great. But, typically, I would not run any standard length passenger cars under around 30" to 28" radius, however you're already running them on 22's aren't you, so if doing this you may as well use a #5.

[full maxx]

yeah both sets I bought come with 22" radius and do fine but like you said they do "look" kinda funny as far as the over hang