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For those of you who have experience using Ross switches; does the 11 degree switch permit long, rigid-frame locomotives to turn out without derailing?  I have several scale sized locomotives that won't handle less than an O-72 curve, but didn't know if the 11 degree switch presented the same problem for these locomotives.  I am designing a layout (in my mind, so far) and am envisioning a layout with minimum O-72 curves, so that any engine I have or may get in the future can go anywhere on the layout.

Thanks for your advice!

Tom

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You shouldn't have any issues with the Ross regulars and anything.  We test everything for our modular club with all the problematic pieces... 4-12-2, C&O turbines, auto racks, etc.... never had anything not be able to handle a ross regular. Like the website says, the radius is over 100", and it's only 11.25 degrees, as opposed to 22.5 degrees of divergence in an o72

Tom,

Based on past posts here on the forum, a Ross 11 degree (or Regular) switch has points equivalent to about O-100 and a Ross #4 (14 degree) is equivalent to about O-72.  On an earlier layout of mine, I had #4s in a crossover and all my big scale duplex engines, except my PRR T1, had no problems going forward or reverse through the crossover.  The T1's tender would derail when backing through the #4 crossover, but had no problems with a single #4.  A Regular switch, having a more gradual turn, would be even better.

I would think the Regular switch would be a very good choice over an O-72.  Also, with either the Ross Regular or #4 switches, you will not have the bad S turn in a crossover like you would with a crossover made up of O-72 switches.

Last edited by CAPPilot

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