turnouts

[wjw23]

What is the difference between Bachmann's 44864 and 44862?

[Joe Satnik]

Dear wjw23,

Both are N scale right turnouts. 

The Remote (xxx62) turnout's divergent route is curved, and tries to replace a normal curve.

The Numbered (xxx64) turnout's divergent route takes a turn at the beginning, but then straightens out to depart from the turnout in a straight line. 

The "number" is the number of units of length "down the line" (4 in this case) that it takes to move 1 unit of length to the right on the divergent route.

Lower numbered turnouts are shorter and have sharper turns.

Higher numbered turnouts are longer and have shallower turns. 

Trains can go through higher numbered turnouts at higher speed.   

Trigonometric formulas can be used to calculate the angles, including the "frog angle", from the turnout number. 

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik

 

[wjw23]

Thanks, that's just what I needed to know.

Best, wjw23

[Joe Satnik]

Dear Jargo,

Both have their advantages and disadvantages.     

Numbered turnouts are more prototypical. 

Curved turnouts save space and are easier to use with basic ovals, as the curved portion is pretty much a "drop in" replacement for a normal curve.

Hope this helps. 

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik