Have they ever made a high speed turnout like the #5 or #7? Or is the o72 switch the widest they have made?
If not, why not? I think people would buy them.
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The simple answer is no. Numbered turnouts are not conducive to sectional track.
Oh I didn't know that.
Can anyone explain why?
AtlasO made #5's and 7.5 switch in their sectional track. Lionel has not.
Geometry.
Originally Posted by Martin H:
Oh I didn't know that. Can anyone explain why?
I guess in short, Lionel focuses on sectional track systems. Where the number of the switch represents the radii of the track curve. Number turnouts like a number 6 represents the angle of the frog in the turnout. Thus if you use a no. 4 turn out in your sectional track layout. The radii in the sectional track will not line up as easily on your layout if you use all sectional track.
Number-type switches will work just fine with sectional track, but it's a bit more complicated. You have to have fitter sections to get the switches to fit correctly into a sectional track layout. Ross calculates and sells such sections for its line of switches - check out the Ross website. With Ross fitted curves it's actually easier to build a yard ladder than it is with curved switches. Or you can make the sections yourself easily enough - anybody who is advanced enough to want a high speed switch can figure and cut a piece of track. Lionel does not see a big enough market in the large layout/advanced builder segment to justify making the product. Steve Ross does, it's as simple as that. And Ross products aren't all that much more expensive than Lionel. They also work better and are made in USA.
Ok, I guess Lionel could do it, they just decided not too.
Btw, I have atlas track on my layout, including a #5 turnout. I also have 38 ft of fastrack on the carpet, but no switches yet.
As for geometry, I have found that can be overcome with a Dremel tool
Yep its that easy! I use Ross 100 min. Not sure what frog no. They are... maybe close to a 6. I use flex track on my layout, so really its not an issue.
Yes, a Dremel will allow you to do anything you want, however, fastrack and any of the integral roadbed track systems make customization far more difficult.
Numbered turnouts work best with flexible track, like Gargraves or Atlas. Then there is no rigid geometry. Every section is custom bent and cut, leading to a much more realistic look.
