I started a new thread, as this topic always causes discussion.
When researching switches recently, I came across this gem, from CSXT's
When researching switches recently, I came across this gem, from CSXT's
STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE DESIGN
AND CONSTRUCTION OF PRIVATE SIDETRACKSTurnouts
A turnout (T.O.) consists of all parts of the track structure, including switch points, frog, rails, switch ties, fastenings, etc., necessary to connect one track to another. Turnouts are designated by the size of the frog contained in the turnout.
It's a fascinating document, intended to give giudelines to Industry who may not be railroad-savvy. Here's a few more extracts:
A turnout must not be designed as a simple curve.While a maximum curvature of 10º (radius of 573.69’) is highly recommended, under no circumstance without written approval of the Chief Engineer-Design, Construction, and Capacity, will the degree of curvature for the track exceed 12º (radius of 478.34’).
