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Does anyone know the actual measured radius (diameter) for Ross #6 curved RH and LH turnouts?  I am drawing in RR-Track on my new layout plan and I noticed that the inside radius in RR-Track for Ross #6 curved RH and LH turnouts is O-66 (33" radius), not O-72 as indicated by RCS (Ross Custom Switches).  Either RR-Track or RCS is incorrect.  I would like to have a minimum O-72 (36" radius) curve maintained throughout my layout, so I need to know where the error lies.  Before I dedicate more drawing time to RR-Track, and buy a lot of potentially inappropriate Ross #6 curved (O96-O72) switches, could someone measure their curved turnouts and let me know who is more accurate, Ross or RR-Track?

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MI-Marc posted:

Does anyone know the actual measured radius (diameter) for Ross #6 curved RH and LH turnouts?  I am drawing in RR-Track on my new layout plan and I noticed that the inside radius in RR-Track for Ross #6 curved RH and LH turnouts is O-66 (33" radius), not O-72 as indicated by RCS (Ross Custom Switches).  Either RR-Track or RCS is incorrect.  I would like to have a minimum O-72 (36" radius) curve maintained throughout my layout, so I need to know where the error lies.  Before I dedicate more drawing time to RR-Track, and buy a lot of potentially inappropriate Ross #6 curved (O96-O72) switches, could someone measure their curved turnouts and let me know who is more accurate, Ross or RR-Track?

The RR-Track #8 curved turnout seems correct as to the curve size (O-120/O-96), but neither is a standard arc -- i.e., 22.5 degrees. You have to make up the difference with a curve of appropriate diameter and arc. My recollection is that the #6 (O-96/O-72) is correct with  a similar issue of the arc sizes, but not having access to one I can't tell you for sure. In either case, though, you need to make sure the turnout is mounted without any twists -- i.e. the whole turnout and lead-in tracks are in a single plane -- or you'll get derailments with smaller flanged or large steam locomotives as they'll climb out of the track. This is due, in part to the longer frog in the turnouts. We put a frog point into our #8 curved turnout to support larger equipment and scale flanges.

Thank you for the replies!  I noticed the issue when I changed some O-72 curves to the #6 curved turnout and noticed the RR-Track drawn turnout was not the same radius.  Here is a clip of one of my yard entrances.  (Please forgive the drawing which is a work in progress.)

After adding the turnouts, I noticed the turnouts changed the track geometry from the original O-72 curves.  I want to make sure everything will fit in the space.  Then I measured the inside branch in RR-Track and realized the inside radius for #6 curved turnouts was not accurate.  I am still rather sure I can adjust the final yard entry (even if RR-Track is inaccurate), but I do not want to plan to use the Ross #6 curved turnouts if they are not actually O-72 on the inside route.

Thanks!

Marc

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I was just at York last week and must comment that Steve Brenneisen and all his RCS staff are FANTASTIC!  They are extremely patient with me and all my questions.  I have been buying track & switches from them, (still in boxes) getting ready for my layout of the future.  I have not loaded up on curved turnouts, yet.  I even have Steve's new 33" turntable ready to go in my basement.  I did not want to bug them again with all my questions, so I thought I would post my question on this forum.

Thank you to all for your current and any future replies!

Marc

AGHRMatt posted:
MI-Marc posted:

Does anyone know the actual measured radius (diameter) for Ross #6 curved RH and LH turnouts?  I am drawing in RR-Track on my new layout plan and I noticed that the inside radius in RR-Track for Ross #6 curved RH and LH turnouts is O-66 (33" radius), not O-72 as indicated by RCS (Ross Custom Switches).  Either RR-Track or RCS is incorrect.  I would like to have a minimum O-72 (36" radius) curve maintained throughout my layout, so I need to know where the error lies.  Before I dedicate more drawing time to RR-Track, and buy a lot of potentially inappropriate Ross #6 curved (O96-O72) switches, could someone measure their curved turnouts and let me know who is more accurate, Ross or RR-Track?

The RR-Track #8 curved turnout seems correct as to the curve size (O-120/O-96), but neither is a standard arc -- i.e., 22.5 degrees. You have to make up the difference with a curve of appropriate diameter and arc. My recollection is that the #6 (O-96/O-72) is correct with  a similar issue of the arc sizes, but not having access to one I can't tell you for sure. In either case, though, you need to make sure the turnout is mounted without any twists -- i.e. the whole turnout and lead-in tracks are in a single plane -- or you'll get derailments with smaller flanged or large steam locomotives as they'll climb out of the track. This is due, in part to the longer frog in the turnouts. We put a frog point into our #8 curved turnout to support larger equipment and scale flanges.

Matt,

Could you elaborate on your last sentence "We put a frog point into our #8 curved turnout to support larger equipment and scale flanges."  What is a frog point and how does this help with larger equipment.  I'd love to incorporate a couple of Ross #8 curved turnouts in my layout and include any improvements folks have discovered with use.

Thanks!

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