Matador Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 What is the difference between an A6 and a B6 point. David A Yorkshireman in the USA Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dungrange Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 David, The difference is in the curvature or length of the switch: An 'A' switch being the shortest. The number represents the crossing angle (which is obviously the same in this case 1:6). I trust that this helps. Regards David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matador Posted October 19, 2012 Author Share Posted October 19, 2012 Oh good so I would be better off using A in a small goods yard. David A Yorkshireman in the USA Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dungrange Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 David, Yes, an 'A' switch would be suitable for a small goods yard, although if you have the space, there is nothing to stop you using a 'B' switch in a yard. It really depends on what space you have available and also what type of stock you wish to operate. Assuming you are using rolling stock that has a reasonably short wheelbase, you shouldn't have too much problem with 'A' switches, but a 'B' switch may be preferable if you want to use longer wheelbase stock. The effective radius of a B6 turnout will be greater than an A6. If you have a look at the C&L Finescale website (http://www.finescale.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23&Itemid=6) you will find an answer to the question "what's the difference between an 'A' and 'B' switch?" and you will also find the effective radius for various turnouts. I would assume that an A6 would be about a 7 foot radius in 0 Gauge: A B6 corresponding to something more like 8 1/4 feet. An 'A' switch on the mainline would be rather unlikely: 'C', 'D', 'E' switches or greater would be much more likely. On High speed lines, I believe you even get 'J' and 'K' swiches, but obviously the crossing angles are also much greater than 1:6. Regards David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hayfield Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 Oh good so I would be better off using A in a small goods yard. David A Yorkshireman in the USA David Download Templot (its free software) not only can you print off plans for both sizes it also gives you the radii for them Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Siddall Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 I can tell you one thing about A6s in 7mm scale... they're big! Just shy of 20 inches overall length so a bit of a challenge for those with space issues - particularly as a pair laid out as a crossover. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 How does this 'translate' to Peco pointwork? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold martin_wynne Posted October 24, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 24, 2012 How does this 'translate' to Peco pointwork? The Peco 0 Gauge turnouts are approximately A-7. Here's a Templot file containing templates matching the Peco 0 Gauge turnouts: peco_0_turnouts.box (Bullhead -- I don't have a flat-bottom turnout to measure, but I assume the geometry is the same.) These turnouts have a long entry straight to the V-crossing, so that the same moulded base can be used for both LH and RH turnouts, and also for the diamond crossing. The V-crossing angle is 8 degrees* (1:7.12 RAM), and to get the best match to the rails I used a GWR 9ft curved switch. These templates are accurate for the rail alignments and can be used for Peco footprint substitution, but are not recommended for actual handbuilt construction. The rail ends correspond to the crossover mid-point for 80mm track centres. The timbering is very close, but not a perfect match. I added the silly bent timber which Peco put on the exit to their turnouts. © Templot screenshot regards, Martin. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Thanks for that Martin, always wondered quite how the Peco stuff fitted into the more commonly accepted definitions of pointwork. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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