Ross Switch Question

Number 4 switches are better than O72   Its less of an angle and has less overhang  Much better for large steam engines than O72

I use Ross #6 switches with a min of O-72 curves and 6” centerline spacing, at least on curves. My acid test is to put a scale big boy, w its large front overhang, on the inside curve and a 21” passenger car, with its large inside overhang, on the outside curve.  For some straight sections (e.g. bridges, double X-over), the fixed 4.5” spacing is used. For them, I have a long enough straight leading to them so that the locos or cars with large overhangs have enough length to straighten out.

I agree with Ben, the #4 switches don't impart the awkward S-curve doing a crossover.  You can also get closer spacing on parallel tracks with the #4.

thanks all.  GRJ, the diagram is especially helpful.  I’ll plan to stick with the #4s.  If I had to go bigger, #6s would be preferred over O72s, but they chew up a lot of real estate

You can use the #100 / #101 11° switches, they're similar in size to the #4, but they are 11° instead of 14° path.  For a few inches more travel, you get a less angled path.

Thanks John.  I already have a RCS #4 on hand, so I’ll stick with that.  Otherwise I may have gone with the #100 switches.  I did not know before how they compared. Also, what I didn’t fully realize before, but is evident in the diagrams you showed, is that the diverging route of a #4 switch has a larger effective radius than an O72 curve.  It looks like my larger locos should be fine on a #4 crossover