First HO Layout Critique

[sailormatlac]

Looks good overall but,may I make a suggestion?

Instead of using #4 turnouts why not use Peco Medium turnouts which is more like a number 5? I recently learn the Peco medium switch is the same size as the #4.

I have thought about going up to #5 sized turnouts. I would like to stick with #4s due to their smaller size, but finding them has become difficult. And that goes for all of the manufacturers. I appreciate the reminder about Peco turnouts though, I have had good experiences with them at my old club.

Honestly, operation improvement is appreciable between a #4 and #5. In the past, I only used #4, thinking I was "saving" real estate. Drawing many plans made me discovered that most of the time, you can get the same amount of track when dealing with larger turnouts when you know what you're doing.

If you were doing a transition era layout or older one with lots of 40ft cars, I wouldn't mind. But doing modern era switching means most cars are 50ft at least. They aren't that friendly with #4, especially when having operation in mind. When you use larger turnout, coupling and uncoupling is much more easier. No need for steep transition curves where operation is a nightmare. Think about it before fixing definitely your choices. On a switching layout, I would really make sure the track work flow as gently as can be.

Personnaly, I like PECO a lot, I know many don't like them, other swear by them. But in all honesty, no need for junky switch controls, which is perfect for an intuitive and fun switching layout. There's a way to get them at a fair price when shopping. The Code 83 turnouts are similar, but not really made to be easily hand operated. One could add a small styrene rod on the throwbar make them easier to operate (that's what I'm gonna do with mine).

Matt