Ross Turnout Questions

They do!

Go to their products tab.

Then, scroll down to the Switch PDF's

Bingo.

Dimensions.

And a template you can print out to try-fit to your layout.

When all else fails, call Steve or Tom @ Ross.  The very best in customer service!!

KD

They don't relate. The numbered turnouts have straight diverging legs, which is why they are good for crossovers. Switches like 042 and 072 etc, have curved diverging legs and create "S" curves when making crossovers. Use the numbered turnouts if you can.

I recently had this conversation with Steve from Ross.  Of course I didn't write down what he told me but I am 99% sure the #4 is at least equivalent to an O72.  These numbered turnouts are better for cross-over operations as they eliminate the 'S' curve that can cause issues.  Steve is typically in the office in the afternoon.  Give him a call

There are also PDF's of all Ross switches on their web-site.  They give measurements but in my opinion some are hard to read because of the font color (yellow).
http://www.rossswitches.com/products/switchfiles.html

Tony 

Has anybody figured out to print them to scale?  I'd like to print them to maybe 1:4 just to layout on the floor and get a better conceptual idea of how the layout would look.  Printing them 1:1 is too much paper and takes up to much floor space.

a #4 and a 072 are not even close in terms of the angle of the diverging route. The # turnouts are the best for crossovers.

When you overlay the PDF for the #100/101 turnout with the 072 turnout, you will see that the frogs are almost identical in position. So the bump on the two is almost identical and the 100/101 would handle anything you push through that would go through an 072 turnout. Usual disclaimer applies. 

The new layout being built at the club is using #100/101's and has an 072 minimum curve size.

Ray,

While it is correct that there is less of an "S" curve using numbered switches, most engines made to take O-36 curves should not have a problem going through a O-42 crossover.  However, just because the engines can go through a O-42 crossover does not mean you should use it.  If you have the room, I would go with a #4 even on small layouts mainly because it looks better and trains will be able to go faster through them.

Below is a drawing showing different switch combinations for a crossover.  The center rail to center rail (C to C) measurement is the minimum*; it can be greater by adding short straight tracks between the switches.  Try different combinations and see what best fits your layout.

*You can cut down the legs of RCS switches to make the C to C distance smaller, and the "S" curve less, but I have not tried that.

Ron and everyone else. Thanks for the info, now I just need to work it all out. I really appreciate all the help and advise that others are willing to help on this GREAT OGR  Forum.

Ron, sending you a separate email.

RAY

Hi there Ray,

I talked to Steve few weeks ago about crossovers, and he recommended the Regular 11 deg. RH and LH, P/N 100 & 101. These have a short straight at the end of the turnout, which he said is more realistic. he also noted that you can keep you to lines within approx 4.5" of each other.

I would call him and discuss this with hem. He is extreemly helpful and customer centric.

Roger