LGB R5 Switch vs Aristo #6

[Chuck]

I've been thinking about building a indoor yard for some rolling stock. I like using the #6 switches but they're getting tougher to find and climbing up in price. The USA #6 is now $144.95 + $9 shipping from Ro. I have nothing at all against ordering from Charles Ro Supply as I do so regularly. Dealers may be a few $$$ cheaper but way I look at it is Ro can use any extra $$$ as they keep new USA Trains coming for us.

 

So I decided to order a LGB 18150 R5 switch from Reindeer Pass as the price of $109.89 + shipping was appealing. True it's a manual switch and my indoor layout is elevated so it'll work out just fine. I searched various forums and You Tube for the R5 info and reviews but there isn't much. Basically I wanted to know how they compare to a #6 design.

 

Technically the LGB R5 designation translates into say like a 15.5' diameter curve on diverging or 7.5' radius. They showed radius being centerline and diameter being the outside rail or something. That's cool because I always thought that a #6 was a 16' diameter switch...Maybe I'm wrong?

 

Here's a few pics of the LGB R5. Nice as I'm impressed!

 

Closeup of frog..I do like the plastic design maybe Delrin? Stainless contacts where wheel flanges ride to conduct electric is a great idea. Dead frog spot is tiny. 

 

Underside showing power routing/ jumping with heavy brass rods spot welded along with use of big beefy stainless tie retaining screws looks excellent!

 

Here it is lying upside down ontop a Aristo #6.

 

 

There's the main difference. And now I remember from my O Gauge days and using Ross Switches. A number switch has diverging rails that are straight whereas a radius switch has a diverging rail that remain curved. Big deal as I can deal with that.

 

Here's comparing the actual curved part of the diverging rail. This is comparing outer rail radius. That radius between a #6 and LGB R5 is just about exactly the same.

 

In closing I'd say the 2 switches are basically the same thing. Be interesting to see how my USA Big Boy negotiates a R5...but alas it's all packed away as believe it or not I plan on packing everything up and moving west in a few months.

[blid]

In my post from February 23 2014 "Marklin Track", http://In my post from February 23 2014, http://www.gscaletrainforum.com/index.php?/topic/184-marklin-track/&tab=comments#comment-1273 , I warned about a potential problem with MTH power pickup shoes and LGB R5 turnouts The engines might get stuck.

[Chuck]

blid...yes I agree with you after trying out a few of the LGB R5 switches. That is USA Trains sliders will "drop" into the LGB frogs and get stuck. What a shame as I did like the looks of the R5 but they're being replaced with the USA #6 switch. 

 

Lesson learned.

[mistacabbage]

Hey Chuck,

 

>>That's cool because I always thought that a #6 was a 16' diameter switch...Maybe I'm wrong?

 

I stopped by Charles Ro in July 2021.   I had to play Tetris just to get all the stuff I bought fit in my hatchback!.  Among them was a USA Trains left and right #6 switch along with a box of 20 foot curved diameter track.  Here are a some pictures of the USA Trains #6 switch on top of a USA Trains 20 foot diameter curve track.  It appears that the curve radius on the switch is even greater that 20 feet!