Ross 11 degree switch vs O-72 curve limitations for large engines

This is copied from the Ross web site if this helps. The #100  #101 are 11* eh

From Ross web site::   Can my 072 engines run through a Regular switch?

Yes, with ease. The Regular (#100 and #101) is much more gradual than an 072. If you had to put a number on the curve in the regular it would be over 100" diameter.

You shouldn't have any issues with the Ross regulars and anything.  We test everything for our modular club with all the problematic pieces... 4-12-2, C&O turbines, auto racks, etc.... never had anything not be able to handle a ross regular. Like the website says, the radius is over 100", and it's only 11.25 degrees, as opposed to 22.5 degrees of divergence in an o72

Any locomotive that will go through an 072 will definitely go through a Ross11 degree switch. The 11 degree switch diverging route is significantly "less sharp" than a 072. In fact it, like all # switches, it has a diverging route that is straight, not curved.

Tom,

Based on past posts here on the forum, a Ross 11 degree (or Regular) switch has points equivalent to about O-100 and a Ross #4 (14 degree) is equivalent to about O-72.  On an earlier layout of mine, I had #4s in a crossover and all my big scale duplex engines, except my PRR T1, had no problems going forward or reverse through the crossover.  The T1's tender would derail when backing through the #4 crossover, but had no problems with a single #4.  A Regular switch, having a more gradual turn, would be even better.

I would think the Regular switch would be a very good choice over an O-72.  Also, with either the Ross Regular or #4 switches, you will not have the bad S turn in a crossover like you would with a crossover made up of O-72 switches.

We've had them on the club layout for years. They'll handle large rigid-frame engines just fine. Even my Big Boy and Blue Goose Hudson with scale wheels navigates them just fine.

My main line turnouts are all the 100s...50 radius...the bigger engines look much better and operate more smoothly, but will make a 72.  Go 100s main line if you can.