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On my HO train layout, a switch was in a mainline curve.
When the switch points were aligned straight, the train went straight out of the curve onto a branch track.
When the points were aligned to the curve, their "normal" position, the train continued around the mainline curve.
Is this ever done in real life?
Or are the stresses of a curve never placed on the switch point rails?
Thank you.
Curved switchs are bad news,nobody i know likes them.Maybe some of the MoW, guys on here can give you all the particulars as to why.I would think it would put stress on the points.And alignment problems i think are a factor,but maybe a ''Gandy''could give us a little more on this.
A turnout in a curve is avoided at all cost simply because the wheel flange is more likely to "pick" the point. We have seen turnouts in curves on track where the traffic is only one direction, out of the points. You will see this a lot in unloading loops at coal fired power plants.
Another place where you may see it is on switching leads where speed is restricted to 10 mph.
I don't think the original question was "Are there switches with both routes curved?" but "Does the mainline ever take the curved route and the siding the straight route?"
I don't think the original question was "Are there switches with both routes curved?" but "Does the mainline ever take the curved route and the siding the straight route?"
On my HO layout, on a right curve I had a right switch withe siding track continuing straight ahead out of the curve. The main line continued to the right around the curve.
Looked nice but in real life that would place main line traffic forces on the curved moveable rail of the points.
Yes, it does happen, but pretty much if there is no alternative. Something that has not been mentioned is superelevation in the curve. Picture the turnout side in a superelevated curve. Where does the straight side go?...Up and out. Then that track coming off the straight side has to be leveled out and settled into a smooth transition.
Yes, it does happen, but pretty much if there is no alternative. Something that has not been mentioned is superelevation in the curve. Picture the turnout side in a superelevated curve. Where does the straight side go?...Up and out. Then that track coming off the straight side has to be leveled out and settled into a smooth transition.
Yes, that is another complicaton.
I was thinking of the banked curve of the track at Lewistown, Pennsylvania station.
Those departing the train had to walk down cars with quite a lean to the south.
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