Bachmann EM-1

[Old97]

What number turnouts can the EM-1 2-8-8-4 engines navigate?

[Joe Satnik]

Dear Old97,

The 2013 print catalog (.pdf file) says 22"R or greater curves for the HO Spectrum EM-1. 

According to John Armstrong in his book "Track Planning for Realistic Operation, 3rd Ed.",

the "Radius of the Closure Rail" (RCR) is the sharpest curve on a numbered turnout.

http://nmra.org/standards/sandrp/rp12_3.html  (See Dimension 11.)

According to John, any #4-1/2 or greater numbered turnout will have 22" or greater RCR. (TPfRO Pg. 78)

Note that the Atlas #4 HO Custom-Line turnout is actually a #4-1/2.

For Bachmann HO E-Z Track turnouts, a #5 or greater should work.

Be careful not to build in "S" curves on your layout.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik

[jonathan]

Mine will negotiate #6 turnouts with no problems.  I haven't tried them on anything smaller.

Regards,

Jonathan

[Doneldon]

97-

Although it's convenient to use snap switches instead of turnouts because they are curved and correspond to 18' radius curves, I strongly urge you to stick with numbered turnouts. In my experience they are built a little better, are a little less likely to lead to ess curve problems and are easier for all locomotives, not just long ones, to negotiate. IMHO they are worth the few construction hassles they may cause.

D