I'm designing my layout with mostly 048 curves, Fastrack to be exact. The question I have is, does it really matter the radius of the switch unless the switch goes directly into a curve? The curve coming off the switch always appears to be a 1/4 curve or less. So why does Lionel give you so many options?
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In your case it doesn’t matter, though wider is always better. While some engines and cars can run through tight switches, like O31, etc., some need O54 or O72 and they all run and look better going through the wider switches. And, when you use them for crossovers, etc., there is a difference in overall footprint, either length or width or both, that fit better in the available space.
Honestly, compared to other manufacturers, Lionel offers a bare bones selection of switches. If a model railroader wants fancy crossovers, or switches on curves, three way switches, etc., he needs to look beyond the Fastrack system.
Lionel's different offerings are used by different folks in a variety of applications and they have sold oodles of each. I think simple tradition another part of the answer to your question. Lionel has made choices over the past century, and those choices affect what they produce today.
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