What the different in some of these Atlas switches? Like I see a #4 turnout, and then there is the "snap switch"? Also what the difference on the #6's turnouts, I see "Super Track" and I see the regular. Also saw some #8's the other day at my LHS and those had an insulated metal frog. Just several different names, "Snap Switch", "Custom Line", "Super Track", etc.
Turnouts, as they call them in modelrailroading so as not to be confused with electrical switches that are often used in layouts, are labeled by number. The number has to do with the amount that the diverging line diverges from the mainline. For example, a #4 turnout diverges 1 unit for every 4 units the mainline goes straight. A #6 turnout diverges 1 unit for every 6 unit of travel of the mainline. a #8 diverges 1 unit out for every 8 unit the mainline travels forward. Another way to think of it is the angle is larger between the diverging line and the main in a #4 vs a #8.
So the lower the #, the more sharp the turnout. #4s are seen in some yards as well as 6s, with #8s and higher used in mainlines for crossovers,etc so they are nice and broad so that your trains can run large stock and at a higher speed through the turnout. I have a few #6s on my mains too. Atlas makes 4, 6, and 8 turnouts. Others make those plus 5, 7, and curved 8s and others. Price reflects the complexity.
A "snap-switch" is Atlas' entry level turnout. They have a 18" curve that starts at the throw rail and is designed to be the start of a 18"curve and thats why they include the extra 1/3 section of radius track (that piece plus the turn thru the turnout is geometrically the same size as a 18" curved radius piece. Basically these pieces are included in and made for very basic train sets, and I would not recommend including them in any other layout besides a basic train set. Its important to note that the diverging rails in the SnapSwitch start to diverge at the start of the turnout and countinue to curve thru the frog(heart of the turnout where the two rails cross in the middle) and after the frog. They are very sharp and if you try to operate anything other than 2 axle diesels and smaller rolling stock, you will have derailments. You might be able to use them in a yard or spur in a layout.
Notice the difference in the Snap Switch vs a #4 turnout:
Snap Switch:
http://www.atlasrr.com/Images/Track/Trackphotos/Code83/540.jpg
and the #4...
http://www.atlasrr.com/Images/Track/Trackphotos/561.gif
Hopefully you can see how the #4 is straight as it leaves the main vs the Snap Switch is curved as it leaves the main. Its subtle, but its noticable and your the ability to operate your trains thru that curving and diverging Snap Switch will be hampered.
Your other questions about Super Track turnouts vs Custom Line have to do with the size of the turnout and the size of the diverging route. It may also have to do with the ability/option to power the frog. Id have to read the back of the box. Someone else can chime in with more info.
Speaking of powered vs unpowered, each manufacturer makes different types of frogs and some with different options. The frog is the crossing point of the turnout where the rails first start to diverge. Some are electrically isolated, some are powered, and some give you the option to power it. Some are DCC friendly, some are not.
A great book that explains all of this and more and taught me 99% of what I know is Model Railroaders Basic Trackwork by Jeff Wilson, avail at any hobby shop.
Take care,
Brad
I was just curious about the name differences I guess. I'm hoping to use #6 switches on the main and in industries that get longer cars, and some #4's in the yard and industries with shorter cars. Those #8 are just so long, not sure I could use any of those. I'm not gonna operate a "high speed" railroad anyway.