Newbie EZ track question

[dnelson0817]

What is the difference between the numbers associated with the nickel EZ track turnouts? (#4, #5, #6)

[ACY]

What is the difference between the numbers associated with the nickel EZ track turnouts? (#4, #5, #6)

The bigger the number, the better. #8 turnouts are best, but if you don't have sufficient space #6 turnouts will be fine as well. #4 turnouts are not suitable for running large steam or longer rolling stock.
The numbers actually correspond to the ratio in relation to divergence route of the turnout, a larger number is a more gradual turnout.

[Len]

Turnout numbers express a ratio, similar to the "rise to run" ratio of a roof's pitch, of how far the diverging frog rail will be from the through frog rail at a given distance from the frog. For instance, on a #4 turnout, the rails will be 1" apart 4" from the frog. On a #5 they will be 1" apart 5" from the frog, and so on. The larger the turnout number, the smaller the angle of the diverging rails from the through rails.

This is true for all numbered turnouts, regardless of manufacturer.

Len
 

[Trainman203]

 A bigger number is a more gradual and gentle diverging curve that is more realistic and handles larger equipment better.. .....

[jbrock27]

...the bigger the #, the more room it takes up on the layout.

[Trainman203]

......therefore requiring more space for the layout, which in turn requires more intense negotiation with the person in charge of layout space allocation,who is never the model railroader and rarely in favor of further land grants.

[jbrock27]

True dat, in many cases.

[dnelson0817]

Haha, I hear ya there trainman! I barely have permission just to have a 4x8 layout. Thanks for the answers everyone!

[dnelson0817]

One more question if you all don't mind...what's the turn radius on each one of these turnouts?

[the Bach-man]

Dear DN,
Think of numbered turnouts in the same way you think about the pitch of a roof.  A roof's pitch is called rise and run.  Just as a roof may rise four feet in four feet of run a number four turnout diverges one unit for each four units of run; a five is one in five, etc.  In neither case is there a radius involved; numbered turnouts are basically straight.
Most companies, including ours, do make a very sharp 18" radius turnout to fit sectional track geometry.
Have fun!
The Bach-man

[ACY]

One more question if you all don't mind...what's the turn radius on each one of these turnouts?

Numbered turnouts do not have a radius since the divergent route is straight not curved. If you want turnouts with a curved divergent route, there are some available with 15", 18, and 22" radius divergent routes. Additionally I have seen turnouts with both the divergent and non-divergent route having 22" radius.

Perhaps what you really want to know is what number turnouts are best suited for a particular minimum radius. If the minimum suggested radius is 18", you can safely use #4 &#5 turnouts, for 22" radius you can use #6 & #8 turnouts, for anything above 22" minimum radius,  use #8 turnouts or larger.