D2.2.1.
1 Issue 1 June 2004
DATA SHEET TURNOUT GEOMETRY
Compiled by M. Holland
Turnout Geometry
Heel divergence
hd
Heel clearance
Turnout radius hd
RT Rail width
Stock rail length LB hr Check rail
Switch radius Splice rail
RS Crossing
1 in ß angle
Stock rail
Switch rail
Wing rails Point rail
1 in α
Planed Switch
length LP angle
Usually
5'4"- 5'5" Heel length LH Lead LT Nose
but see text distance LN
Full lead L
T H I N
Toe Heel Gauge Nose
intersection
Figure 1 Geometry of a turnout
1 General referred to as the “Full Lead”. The omission of the word
The terms used in ‘Point and Crossing Work’ are “Full” can often cause confusion. The “Switch Heel” is
illustrated in Figure 1 and defined in the table below. the point about which the switch blade theoretically
Note in particular that there are two definitions that pivots; this may be a true pivot or merely a point at which
include the term “Lead”. Throughout this work, the the switch blade becomes free to bend. The location of the
definition of “Lead”, symbol LT, is the distance between heel is determined by the amount of clearance required by
the Switch Heel and the Intersection of the Gauge wheels passing along the Stock Rail when the Switch
Lines. The other definition, symbol L, is the distance Blade is open. The complete list of symbols is as follows:-
from the Switch Toe to the Nose of the crossing and is
SYMBOL DEFINITION DESCRIPTION
L Full lead Toe T to crossing nose N.
LT Lead Heel H to gauge intersection I.
LH Heel length Toe T to heel H.
LN Nose distance Gauge intersection to crossing nose N.
LP Planed length Toe T to end of switch planing P.
LB Stock rail length Between joints with plain line.
LS Switch rail length Toe T to closure rail joint.
hr Rail head width
hc Heel clearance Distance between adjacent faces of stock & switch rails.
hd Heel divergence Distance between running faces of stock and switch rails.
RS Switch radius Radius of curved portion of switch.
RT Turnout radius Radius of turnout (closure rail) curve.
α Switch angle Between stock and tangent to switch heel.
β Crossing angle Between gauge lines at intersection I.
Straight switch
Minimum = hc hd Heel
divergance
hc Heel
Switch toe Switch clearance
heel
Switch rail
Stock rail
5'4"- 5'5" LP
Length of Rail
planing width
Semi curved switch
Switched radius
This section RS Curved portion
of stock rail of stock rail
Straight part is straight Minimum
of stock rail offset at clearance =
gauged to plaining flangeway
straight rail angle HC
Rail head
Plaining This section of width
angle` switch is curved Switch
1 in α angle
Straight stock rail
5'4"- 5'5" LP
Length of
Plained section section Switch
plaining
of switch is heel
straight
Curved switch
Minimum Switched radius
This section flangeway RS
This section of stock rail clearance
of stock rail Iis curved at
is straight RS-G
HC
Rail head
width
Switch
1 in α angle
Straight stock rail
5'4"- 5'5" LP
Length of Plained section section Switch
plaining of switch is heel
straight
Figure 2 Types of turnout switches.
2 Switch Types This type was used by most of the pre-grouping
There were three types of traditional switch, although companies. Three variants (see Figure 3) for pivoting it
modern developments are creating variants. They are exist, of which the most popular was the Tongue
the straight switch, the semi-curved switch and the Switch. Here the fishplate by which the switch blade is
curved switch. See Figure 2. attached to the Closure Rail provides the pivot. In the
Heel Switch, the blade meets its closure rail in a Heel
2.1 Straight switch Chair that permits it to pivot while preventing it from
Note: the term “Straight” refers to the appearance of the sliding out. This type was not in common use in
whole switch blade, and should not be confused with the bullhead track but is met in some FB track using a Heel
term “Straight Cut” which defines the cross section of the Block. The Spring Switch was a later development, in
planed area of the switch blade, see Figure 4. which the switch rail is secured in one or more chairs
2
D2.2.1.1 Issue 1 June 2004
DATA SHEET TURNOUT GEOMETRY
Compiled by M. Holland
2.3 Curved switch
Tongue switch This was used by the GWR instead of
the semi-curved switch. In this type
the entire switch was curved from toe
Pivot is at to heel. They were designated B, C
fishplate First
Heel length LH
and D, and corresponded to the semi-
chair
curved switches of the same
designation. A, E and F sizes were
not used. For its long leads the GWR
Special
Heel switch used a 30ft straight switch. British
"heel" chair
Railways used all six sizes in “flat
bottom” form, albeit with slightly
different geometry. More complex
Pivot forms with transition curvature and
is at chair planing are in current use to
Heel length LH accommodate the higher speeds of
today.
Spring switch
First 3 Switch Profiles
chair Fishplate
3.1 Straight-cut switch
This term, often confused with the
“Straight Switch” does not refer to
the switch geometry, but to the
Heel length LH vertical profile of the switch planing
as viewed looking on the toe. (Figure
Switch rail length LS 4) The switch rail is planed to a
thickness of 0.375in at the toe and, in
Figure 3 Straight switch types. order to avoid entry shock at a facing
point, the stock rail is joggled also by
0.375in. A later development is to
before the joint with the closure rail and therefore the plane the switch toe to 0.75in and then chamfer the top
heel length LH is less than the switch rail length LS. In 2.5in down to 0.375in. Flat bottom rail has too much
some installations, the switch rail began to curve in lateral stiffness to joggle and a housing is usually
these chairs and thus became an ancestor of the semi- machined in the stockrail instead.
curved switch. On main railways, the straight switch
only existed in “bullhead” form, although there are “flat 3.2 Undercut and chamfered switches
bottom” installations in industrial sidings and light Another principal type of switch end profile is the
railways. “Undercut”, in which the switch toe is planed down to a
Straight switch sizes are in heel lengths of 6, 9, 12, 15, fine edge at the top, the 0.75in thickness being attained
18, 24 and 30 feet, although the shorter ones are too rigid lower down by the switch rail fitting under the head of
to be used as “spring” switches. the stock rail. More recently, both switch and stock rail
are being chamfered to provide greater strength at the
2.2 Semi-curved switch toe. (Figure 4)
This type began to be used after 1923 by the LPTB and All three profiles are used for bullhead rail, but flat
all the mainline companies except the GWR. The blade bottom switches are usually undercut or chamfered.
is straight for the length of the planing, after which it Generally, the straight cut profile is the easiest for the
curves at the nominal radius of the turnout, to the point modeller, using only hand tools, to produce. Many joggles
at which it is joined to its closure rail. These switches to house the switch, particularly in bullhead track, are
were always of the sprung type and so LS exceeded the overdone, thereby spoiling the appearance of the
Heel Length, L H by at least 2ft 6in. Semi-curved trackwork and some may prefer to file a tapered housing
switches were designated A, B, C, D, E and F and in the stock rail to correspond with the planing of the
largely superseded the 9, 12, 15, 18, 24 and 30 feet switch rail as for flat bottom track.
straight switches respectively. A “flat bottom” version
exists in all but “A” size.
3
Both Fine and Coarse standards
are under scale gauge by 1mm. As a
result, a turnout curve equating to a
prototypical radius will generate an
incorrect crossing angle and to
maintain the ‘correct’ radius, the
Straightcut Undercut Chamfered
crossing angle would have to be
switch switch switch
altered. It is more practical to use the
prototypical angle and change the
turnout radius and this is the
recommended method upon which the
accompanying calculations and tables
have been based.
Straightcut Undercut Chamfered The straight switch presents
switch switch switch particular difficulties. Its prototype
heel clearance, hc, cannot be less than
flangeway clearance which is,
Figure 4 End views of straight, undercut and chamfered switches. Note that
prototypically, 13/4in.. This equates to
the flat bottomed rail versions requires the rail foot to be machined to
1.02mm in Scale 7 but for Fine
accommodate the switch. Of the three versions, modellers will find the
standard the value has to be increased
straight cut version generally easier to reproduce.
to 1.75mm and for Coarse standard to
2.2mm. This increases the heel
4 Types of Turnouts divergence and changes the switch angle, spring of the
There are three types of turnout relevant to curved and turnout curve and turnout radius for a given crossing
semi-curved switches, namely ‘natural’, ‘compound’ and angle. The effect is increased further when the wider code
‘natural plus straight’. A natural turnout is one where 200 bullhead or code 220 flat-bottomed rail is used for
the turnout radius RT and switch radius RS are equal. A Coarse standard trackwork. To illustrate the problem, in
compound turnout is one where RT is less than RS. A Scale 7, a 6ft straight switch deflects an approaching
natural plus straight turnout has RT equal to RS, but vehicle though 3.6º (1 in 16) at the toe, while in Fine
has a length of straight inserted between the end of the standard the deflection is 4.6º (1 in 12.5). For Coarse
turnout curve and the gauge intersection to increase the standard with a railhead width of 1.6mm the angle is 5.2º
lead. Despite what many modellers believe, in the (1 in 11) and this rises to 6.2º (1 in 9) if the 2.35mm wide
majority of cases the turnout curve continued through code 200/220 rail is used. This would have such an effect
the crossing. A straight crossing is easier for the model both on smooth running through the turnout and on its
suppliers to produce and for the modeller to set out, but appearance that some straight switches cannot be
those who do attempt a curved crossing will be recommended although data has been given for those who
rewarded with track work that flows more readily. wish to use them.
Turnouts with curved and semi-curved switches are It is significant that ready made pointwork supplied in
designated by combining the switch type with the earlier times for Coarse standard and using the heavy
crossing angle, i.e. B8 is a B switch and a 1 in 8 section rail, approximated to fully curved switches,
crossing, similarly A7, C12 etc. thereby giving a smoother run through the formation.
For straight switches, there were several suitable For curved and semi-curved switches, the heel
crossing angles for each switch, typical examples being clearance exceeds the minimum flangeway for both Fine
shown at Figure 2-8 on page 2-2-7. Although this and Coarse standards where a rail head width of 1.6mm is
represents North British Railway track, that of other used, and can be used satisfactorily, but B semi-curved
companies was not significantly different. Even so, those and GWR fully curved bull head switches can give
wishing to model a specific prototype and period are problems of flangeway clearance when 2.35mm wide rail
recommended to study works covering the subject in is used due to its greater rigidity.
greater detail than is possible here. Restrictions on space generally prevent most
modellers from using all but the shortest switches and
5 Compromises crossing angles. (To keep the data sheet tables within
With the exception of Scale 7, where the only bounds the longest turnout listed is a B8, which has a
compromises are due to minor differences in railhead closure rail radius of about 4270mm or 14ft). Once the
width compared with the prototype, there are basic design of a layout has been completed the types of
significant geometrical variations between model and turnouts required can be determined. This can be done by
prototype. Depending on the standards adopted these measuring the crossing angle and selecting a suitable pair
prevent strict adherence to scaled down versions of full of switches from the range suggested in Table 1 opposite.
sized pointwork. Table 2, on page 6, covers the range of switches in greater
detail.
4
D2.2.1.1 Issue 1 June 2004
DATA SHEET TURNOUT GEOMETRY
Compiled by M. Holland
Table 1
Recommended blade and crossing angle combinations
Crossing angle ß
Switch type
Scale Seven * 0 Fine * 0 Coarse * 0 Coarse **
6ft Straight 3 to 51⁄2 3 to 5 ‡
9ft Straight 41⁄2 to 7 31⁄2 to 6 31⁄2 to 5 ‡
12ft Straight 6 to 8 41⁄2 to 7 41⁄2 to 7 31⁄2 to 6 ‡
15ft Straight 71⁄2 upwards 6 to 8 5 to 71⁄2 41⁄2 to 7
A - all types 4 to 7 4 to 7 4 to 7 4 to 7
B - all types 6 to 8 6 to 8 6 to 8 6 to8 §
* Assuming either code 124 bullhead rail or code 143 flat bottomed rail, having a rail head width (hr) of 1.6mm.
** Assuming either code 200 bullhead rail or code 220 flat bottomed rail, having a rail head width (hr) of 2.35mm.
‡ These switches have a significant angle of deflection at the toe and should only be used where limited space
prevents the use of longer turnouts. (See 5, Compromises)
§ See note opposite re clearance problems with B switches.
6 Other Data Sheets
The layouts of the various switch types are detailed in Data Sheets D2.2.2.1, 2 and 3.
The suitability of the chosen combination of switch and crossing angle can be checked with the Turnout Curve Tables
on Data Sheets D2.2.3.1/2/3/4 that show the overall length and turnout (closure rail) radius. The figures from these tables
can then be used to produce drawings as described in Part 2, Section 2.5.
Crossing information is listed on Data Sheets D2.2.4, Common Crossings and D2.2.5, Obtuse Crossings.
Timbering information is listed on Data Sheet D2.2.6.
7 Sources of information
Information on prototype practice:
A Century of Permanent Way B land 1927
Railway Theory and Practice Hepworth & Lee 1922
GWR Standard Permanent Way Practice Bowler 1923
GWR Switch and Crossing Practice David L. Smith 2002
Check Rails & Chairs LNER Chief Engineers Dept 1945
British Railways Track (1st Edition) Permanent Way Inst. 1943
British Railways Track (3rd Edition) Permanent Way Inst. 1964
British Railways Track (6th Edition) Permanent Way Inst. 1993
BRT. Flat Bottom Track Supplement Heeler 1951
Track Design Manual British Railways Board 1974
(now incorporated in the Industry Standards System)
For the best pictures of real pointwork, with some complex combinations, from 1900 to 1940:
Great Eastern In Town and Country I Hawkins 1990
Great Eastern in Town and Country II Hawkins 1991
Great Eastern in Town and Country III Hawkins 1997
An alternative guide intended for 4mm scale but with much information suitable for all modelling scales:
An Approach to Building Finescale Track in 4mm Rice 1991
Many articles on track and point-work have appeared in the model railway magazines, most being listed In the
Magazine Digest section of this Manual. Other useful articles have appeared in magazines dealing with the prototype
for which no easily accessible general index is available. A visit to the National Railway Museum or a good city library
will usually be helpful to those hunting for precise Information. For computer users, with the growth of the Internet,
information of this nature can often be found on specialist web sites.
5
Table 2
Switch lengths and heel divergence details
Scale Seven * 0 Fine * 0 Coarse * 0 Coarse **
Switch type
Rail head 1.6mm Rail head 1.6mm Rail head 1.6mm Rail head 2.35mm
LH ß hd LH ß hd LH ß hd LH ß hd
6ft Straight 42 16 2.62 42 12.6 3.35 Note 1
9ft Straight 63 24 2.62 63 19 3.35 63 16.6 3.80
12ft Straight 84 32 2.62 84 25.3 3.35 84 22.1 3.80 84 18.5 4.55
15ft Straight 105 40 2.62 105 31.6 3.35 105 27.6 3.80 105 28.1 4.55
A semi curved 140 13.96 7.33 140 13.96 7.33 140 13.96 7.33 140 13.96 7.33
A semi-curved (SR)
132.4 14.36 6.82 132.4 14.36 6.82 132.4 14.36 6.82 132.4 14.36 6.82
Note 2
B semi-curved
157.5 17.84 6.23 157.5 17.84 6.23 157.5 17.84 6.23
Note 3
B semi-curved (SR)
150 18.43 5.83 150 18.43 5.83 150 18.43 5.83
Note 2
B semi-curved
189 15.77 8.12 189 15.77 8.12 189 15.77 8.12 189 15.77 8.12
(FB rail)
A fully curved
172 13.24 8.61 172 13.24 8.61 172 13.24 8.61 172 13.24 8.61
(FB rail)
B fully curved
206.5 15.77 8.12 206.5 15.77 8.12 206.5 15.77 8.12 206.5 15.77 8.12
(FB rail)
B fully curved
157.5 19.01 5.83 157.5 19.01 5.83 157.5 19.01 5.83
(GWR) Note 3
Note: 1) Although the 6ft straight switch has been included for 0 Fine, the 9ft switch for 0 Coarse * and the 12ft for
0 Coarse **, the use of these cannot be recommended in other than exceptional circumstances due to
significant angular deflection at the toe. Any such use should be restricted to sidings traversed at low
speed.
2) Southern Railway semi-curved bull head switches of A and B size differ slightly in that the heel divergence,
Hd, is measured at the last chair instead of the end of the switch rail, i.e. 1ft 1in before the joint with the
closure rail. Consequently the values for heel divergence and switch angle are slightly different. The
switch rail lengths are still 20ft (140mm) and 22ft 6in (157.5mm) respectively but the measured heel
length, LH, is shorter by 7.6mm, while the lead LT is increased by the same amount.
3) The B semi-curved bullhead and B fully curved GWR switches cannot be recommended in 0 Coarse (**), i.e.
Code 200 rail, where the rigidity of the rail is likely to lead to inadequate clearance between switch rail and
stock rail at the ‘pinch point’.
