Curved switch tracks

Do you mean a O-31(14.14" center rail radius) wye?

Here is a link to the Dick Reichard O-27 DIY version.

Sam: The answer is no for tinplate switch tracks, but Ross Custom Switches (Forum sponsor) makes curved switches in a couple of radii. With mating pins, they can be used with tubular as I did on my prior layout:

Note that Ross curved switches are two radius affairs, I use the O72/O96 ones for my layout.

I’d like to replace the 031 curve now situated between two 022 switch tracks with a curved switch so that I can run another section of track. Clearances are critical.
John, perhaps I can discuss this with you in York later this week.

I don't think they have anything in the curved switches that's going to have an O31 curve in one leg.

You can check Ross Custom Switches, or even call Steve in the afternoons and ask what they have to solve your problem.

Rob, unlike the link to a diy version, I need both legs going in the same direction.

I have written to Steve at Ross Switches and am awaiting his reply.

I assume that you don't want to replace the O31 curve with another RH O31 switch.  You would need something like an O54/O31 curved switch.  You;ll need to make your own from pieces sectional track.  I'm not sure if the make O54 in tinplate.

I've made my own O31 one-way switches for a trolley line.  I would take two pieces of 1/8" hardboard (probably could use hobby plywood) and trace out the footprint of the curved switch.  Also trace out the locations for all six rails, both straight and curved. Using the technique from Dick Reichard.  Cut and super glue the fixed rails.  Cut a circuluarrecess (hole) in the top piece of hardboard  and save it for the for the points.  Trim the hole piece along the outline of the points. Trim and file the points and center rail, and then glue them to the trimmed hole piece.  Add a pivot in the center.  Thar's my 3 cents.

Jan

Thanks Jan.   A standard RH 031 switch wouldn’t work because its straight leg would be useless. I need two legs headed in the same direction.

Brad Strong    Signature switch co will make what ever you need  great guy great product

The answer ISN'T to replace the curve between your switches.  Curved switches often cause running problems (search the Forum for threads.)  Most locomotives weren't designed for or tested on them, so the locos may lose power, short, derail, etc.  Even if you could find a curved switch for that location, the diameter of the curved leg starting the new siding would have to be sharper than O31!

Instead, add another O22 right-hand switch to the INSIDE of the inner curve, with the straight leg of the new switch leading into the gap between the existing two parallel tracks.  That forms the basis of your third siding and achieves better space utilization.  I believe this arrangement is known as a "pinwheel ladder."

The geometry isn't pretty, but with traditional O22 O gauge switches and tubular track, that's probably your best option.  My $.02.

Thanks Ted.

Without going to a sharper (027?) diverging/inner leg, is it even possible?

Every curved switch I have ever seen is a dual radius, with the inner leg a sharper radius than the outer leg. I don’t know if or how you could have a curved switch with the same radius for both legs.

Either the outer leg would have to be greater than 031, or the inner leg would have to be sharper than 031

If your goal is to have Both legs as 031, I don’t see how you can accomplish that, but I wish you luck, in achieving your goal, and I would be very interested in seeing you do it

Doug