RR-Track & Ross curved turnouts help?

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.

I just placed a 072 sectional curve on top of the 072 leg of the #6 switch. To my eye they match perfectly.

Can you post a diagram of what you are trying to do?

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

How about give them a call or shoot off an email to them? I'm sure they'll provide you with the information you need.  They have an excellent reputation for customer service.

-Greg

Marc

The inside leg is 072 but not the entire switch. The first 1-2 inches is actually 096

Marc

To illustrate Matt's earlier point, the arc's are different on the two legs so you need a small piece to make up the difference. In your case it looks like 096 pieces.

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!

If you go to Ross' technical page you'll find pdf templates of his switches, etc.

http://rossswitches.com/Technical.aspx

Jan