Hi,
I am considering building a pattern for a live-steam sized railroad (2.5" to the foot scale) with some dual gauge. I have been entertaining the thought of a 12"/7.5" dual gauge turnout(s).
There are three frogs on a dual gauge turnout, two normal and one "reversed" sometimes called a toad.
I know both of the "normal" frogs can be #6, but I suspect the "reverse" toad has to be broader (like maybe a #8).
Does anyone know the frog angles (or numbers) for a #6 dual gauge switch?
Does anyone know where plans are for constructing one?
The one I built in the back yard as a test is made from small bits of rail cut to fit and works well, but I was interested in making a pattern and casting the toad.
Thanks for any help.
Doug vV

I do not think there is any one 'simple' answere to such a question, just as there was not for railroads. While many modelers are used to working and thinking along the lines of what stock track components are made or sold, in real life the track was made to fit the situation and not vice versa. So there are LOTS of odd number frogs in turnouts, varying leads, switches on curves, wye switches, and lap switches; and the same goes for crossing diamonds which generally were whatever angle was required.

So I would prepare a scale drawing for the turnout, considering if one route were normal or straight, and the diverging route to serve the needs of the layout. If generic, those could use No 6 frogs, and drawing the ruling curve through the turnout, and the lead, would provide the answer to the other frog.

Bob Kutella

See if this helps.It's free printable PDF drawings of No.6 dual gauge turnouts left and right. Go to the click to order row and it'll take you to the next page where you can get the free drawing.

http://www.handlaidtrack.com/sub_category.php?id=524&link_str=334%20::524

Thanks so much for the drawings. I had a photo from the EBT that had a carpenter's square in ir and tried to calculate the frog (toad?) number despite the parallax. I'd come up with a number 7.3 which I was not sure about. Using the SN3 dual gauge switch plan you gave me a lead on, it works out to #7.3 also .
Thanks so much. When I built them in HO-HOn3, each one was custom to the site and no two switches were the same.
Doug vV

Glad I could help.