Lionel Fastrack Turnout

Personally I would not mix curves and switches as they could give you track geometry problems. If you have O-48 on the outside, I would us all O-48 curves and switches. If you have an inner loop of O-36, then use O-36 curves on the inside track. When trying to connect the two loops you might have to use some quarter and half curve track to make your track geometer work.

Attached is a pic from the 2020 catalog showing how the curves fit in relation to each other.

So stay with 048 switches on outside with 048 curves.

A diagram of your proposed change would help. If you are just looking to connect the two loops from straight sections, any pair of switches will work.

Something like this?  Two O48 switches.  

Brendan

I just wanted to know what works better. If I have 048 curves on the outside loop, do I stay with 048 switches, too? Then inside loop would be 036 curves.

What you are asking is not clear.  Where do you want the switches?

Brendan

You can use pretty much any geometry switch to cross over between loops.  Truthfully, the larger the switch radius, the less issues you'll have with derailing when crossing over between the two loops.  What Brendan illustrates is what I'm talking about.  As long as the thru path is on a straight section of your loop, the out path doesn't affect running on the loop.

Got it. Thanks for all your help.

@Prairie Land Junction posted:

I just wanted to know what works better. If I have 048 curves on the outside loop, do I stay with 048 switches, too? Then inside loop would be 036 curves.

I've got O48 curves on my outside passenger loop and used O36 switches to make a passing siding. 

I’m going with two loops and I thought with 048 curves on the outside, you would have to have 036 switches to have 036 curves for the inside loop.

No - you can use any diameter switches in order to connect the two loops on a straightaway, regardless of the diameter of the curves on either the inside or outside loops.

As others have said, the larger diameter switches you use, the less issues you will have when crossing between the two loops; e.g., two O-72 switches versus two O-36 switches, because the curve is less severe.

In addition, the spacing between the tracks of the two loops also changes, depending on what diameter switches you use. For instance, the center-to-center rail distance of the two loops will be 6" if you use O-72 switches, whereas it will be close to 6.75" if you use O-36 switches. So, if you're concerned about the spacing between the loops, check the Lionel 2016-2017 Track and Power Catalogue on page 19 to see the different track spacings.

I think you'll be happier with larger switches to make the connection.