15 pages
Frog angle, divergence, ladder reach and crossover length for every common turnout number in N, HO and O, and what each number is genuinely suited to.
Every page here is computed rather than written, so the figures match the calculator that produced them exactly. Where a figure is a hobby rule of thumb rather than a published NMRA standard, the page says so. Every table is plain HTML you can quote.
Last updated
Ships with the switch machine fitted, so it throws from a control panel without buying and mounting a separate motor. The machine sits beside the track and is visible.
Best for: remote control without a separate switch machine install
Check price on Amazon
A number 8 is long and shallow, which is what long passenger equipment needs to take the diverging route without lurching. It costs a lot of length to install.
Best for: main line crossovers where long cars diverge
Check price on Amazon
A number 6 in code 83, which is the general purpose turnout for main line and yard throat work and the one most track plans assume.
Best for: main line and passing siding work in HO
Check price on Amazon
A snap switch is geometrically a sharp turnout designed to fit sectional track spacing. Convenient, and sharper than a number 6, so keep long equipment off the diverging route.
Best for: sidings on a sectional track layout
Check price on Amazon