bachmann 2-10-2

[harold]

can any one who has a 2-10-2 engine tell me if they are having any problems going thru a atlas #4 switches? any infor would be very helpful.
thanks

[Atlantic Central]

harold,

I don't have one so I can't tell you for sure, BUT, my basic knowledge of both real and model trains tells me that a 2-10-2 and a #4 turnout is a bad idea!

My collection of Bachmann 4-8-2 heavies will not go through an Atlas #4 on a reliable basis.

And, in case you did not know, an Atlas #4 is really a #4-1/2!

Locos with long rigid wheel bases do not like sharp curves or tight turnouts - simple as that.

Sheldon

[GN.2-6-8-0]

You'll need to understand that long wheelbase locomotives  need larger numbered switch's... minimum would be a no.6 preferred no.8
Even 8 coupled locos won't like and will have trouble getting through a no.4

[rogertra]

A number 4 switch is, in effect, a toy train switch.

A number 6 switch is a model railroad switch.

Snobby?  You betcha but unless you're modelling narrow gauge, or only run B-B diesels or steam smaller than 2-8-0 or the Spectrum 2-10-0, then number six is what you need as a minimum, no matter what the manfacturer's will tell you.

[SteamGene]

While the USRA light 2-10-2 has a blind center driver,  a #4 will not work.  I agree, it's a toy train switch not a model railroad turnout.
BTW, Roger, I know it's "centre," but is it also "drivre"?  If not, why not?   
Gene

[rogertra]

BTW, Roger, I know it's "centre," but is it also "drivre"?  If not, why not?   
Gene

Because "drive" doesn't end in "tre" and because "tre" comes from the French spelling.  So there! 

[Atlantic Central]

The Atlantic Central does not use such long rigid wheelbase power. Our mountain grades (1.8%) and sharp curves (36" radius) are not liked by such locos (or maybe the boss just doesn't like the silly look of such large locos on such sharp curves).

Sheldon

[TonyD]

Gosh! I can barely spelling in English, never mind correct someone's French, so back to the other subject....isn't a #4 a #4 to continue an 18" radius snap track? So, if an engine is 'not reccomend for under XX" radius, then it won't do a #4... but, there is the chance it MIGHT make it by leaving the switch sweep with a short -5-6"? length of straight rather than begining your 'reverse' curve right there, I find some 50' freight cars can't handle that trick, experiment a little before you get rid of the engine- but remember- in steam days, the road engine sometimes COULDN'T back up tight yard switches to drop off or hook up a train, the switchers were called switchers- 'cause THEY could. Equals to #4's are in real life too, but not for mainline power to enter.....n'es pas?

[ebtnut]

General rule:  Use at least a number 6 turnout for all main line track and most yard turnouts if you are running anything larger than a 2-8-0.  Eight and ten-coupled engines, especially those with trailing trucks, don't like small number turnouts.  Ostensibly, the 2-10-2 will run on EZ Track 18" curves.  However, numbered turnouts have a geometric angle through the frog, NOT a continuous curve.  It is this sharp angle that causes problems.  No. 4 turnouts should be used, as noted above, only for tight swtiching areas that will be used only by small diesels and short-coupled steam. 

[Atlantic Central]

TonyD,

No, a number 4 is not an extension of ANY radius - that is a "snap switch" and it is curved through the frog. A snap switch is aproximatly a #3-1/2.

Sheldon

[GN.2-6-8-0]

Hoky-doky guys I think the point been made ! 

[rfr0525]

I have a similar problem in that I just purchased a 4-8-4 it will not go through #4 turnouts, but it does go through an 18" radius with no problems. Guess I must now change my turnouts?

[SteamGene]

A #6 turnout is always preferable to a #4.
Gene