Which bachmann switch should i use,

[davidone]

My layout is about 5x14 and I'm building a yard for about 4- 5 storage tracks. Should I use the regular switch or the #4,#5,##6 sized switches when I come off the main line? Does it really make a difference?

Thanks for your help,

Dave

 

[migalyto]

Me personally I would use a minimum of a #5 or #6.

Preferably a #6 if you have the space. Your bigger equipment will thank you for it!

 

[timlange3]

Generally the slower the speed the lower the switch number. Without knowing your setup I would say #6 on the main and #4's in the yard.

 

[Marlin39]

I went from using #4 to #6 and it made for significantly smoother operation.

 

[davidone]

Thanks guys, I was thinking about using #5's or 6's but I always wanted to hear from some others. Being this will be my last layout beings I'm near 80 I want to get this right from the beginning. Now is time to get it right from the beginning and not spending my time fixing it.

Dave

 

[Selector]

Most people will find a true (NMRA compliant) #5 turnout adequate for all but the truly long-framed locomotives, steam or diesel, whose importers have specified that they need to be on curves broader than about 28" in radius. I don't know any except for the more expensive and exotic brass imports (such as my Sunset HO CPR 2-10-4 Selkirk, which has a stated minimum of 30". In order to avoid disappointment with missed radii generation anywhere on my layout, I made a 33" template to fashion curves on my layout. This 10% overage saved me some grief, I'm sure. If you have the room, always err on the broad side of curvatures. It helps to keep things coupled, railed, and to allow shoving, such as out of terminal yards where the locomotive can't do a runaround maneuver and entered a ladder first).

 

[davidone]

selector,
Thank you for your post very well put.
I have decided on #5 switches. The space I have is not big and the 5's should do me well! My curves will be 24" and most of my equipment is rated for 18" and 22" so I should be ok. I'm not looking to build the ultimate layout anymore but to have fun with the equipment I have. Most likely I will not be running any large steam now. I had my fun with those some years ago. Most likely if I run steam today it must run on 22" so ill be restricted to smaller prototypes.
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and suggestions.

Dave

 

[MikeJ]

Bachman EZ Track yard.

 

[Iron Horseman]

Should I use the regular switch or the #4,#5,##6 sized switches when I come off the main line? Does it really make a difference?

Since this is EZ-TRACK I believe you have to come off the main with the same size turnouts you are going to use in the yard if you want them parallel. I would avoid the regular and #4.