Model Railroad Track

Model Railroad Track

Choose a turnout hand and control style

Read the branch direction from the point end and use the manufacturer drawing before buying a switch.

Mark the approach and branch

Draw the single track at the point end and follow both paths away from it. The branch side determines the required hand. For a curved turnout, draw and check the two separate paths.

Compare the shape of the turnout

Use the full drawing for length, spacing and divergence. A numbered turnout and a sectional curve describe different geometry. Allow room for the rest of the siding to clear the main track.

Choose manual or powered control

If you can reach the switch, manual control may suit the layout. For a remote or powered model, check the controller and any separate interface. Follow the product directions for the frog and activation.

Source documentation

Guide questions

What is the point end?

It is the single-track end where the movable rails guide the wheels into one of the two routes.

Does a curved turnout have a single radius?

Check both paths in the maker’s drawing. They may have different radii.

Should I order the mirror-image switch?

Choose the mirrored part only when the branch side in your actual track plan changes.

Which accessory suits the job?

  1. PECO SL-U8362 and SL-U8361 form mirrored No. 6 branches. Choose the left or right part from the point end of your actual route.

    PECO SL-U8362 HO Code 83 No. 6 left turnout ↗PECO SL-U8361 HO Code 83 No. 6 right turnout ↗

  2. The manual Lionel switch suits a location you can reach by hand. The remote model comes with a local controller and uses a different branch hand in the two offers shown.

    Lionel O36 FasTrack manual left-hand switch ↗Lionel 6-81946 O36 remote right-hand FasTrack switch ↗

Accessories in this guide

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