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 AMERICAN FLYER 720A 1 PAIR REMOTE CONTROL TRACK SWITCHESBOXED  US $40.00
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 S Scale 5 LH switch or turnout Fast Tracks code 100 US $39.50
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 S Scale 5 RH switch or turnout Fast Tracks code 100 US $39.50
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 AMERICAN FLYER S MANUAL SWITCH TRACK 425420 US $7.00
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 AMERICAN FLYER S REMOTE SWITCH TRACK FOR PARTS 425417 US $5.00
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 PAIR OF AMERICAN FLYER 720A REMOTE CONTROL TRACK SWITCHES CIRCA 1950s US $119.99
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What is the regular angle that a railroad switch outputs the curve at?
How many degrees does a railroad turnout output to? How many degrees does a switch cause the track to turn?
With switches, these angles are referenced to a portion of the switch, not the movable switch points where one may think, but is rather a ratio found in the switch "frog." The frog is the portion of the switch where one flange-way bisects the other, allowing the equipment to pass over the other rail. It is measured from the heel of the frog and to the points of the frog where the flang-ways converge.
Consequently, switches are identified by this ratio found in the frog, whether 10 to 1, 8 to 1, 4 to 1, etc. The higher the number, the lesser degree of curvature. As a result, there are high speed turnouts with a high frog ratio. This is why switches are referred to as a #8, #10, etc.
However, the curvature found when proceeding on a diverging route through the switch is not the same as main track curvature. With main track curves, there is a "spiral" at each end, which itself is a curved piece of track but of lesser degree than the degree of the curve that it transitions to between straight rail and the curve. This spiral gets the wheel in a more advantageous position, "thinking" about turning, shall we say, before entering the curve. Easier on the equipment, rail and roadbed, which also means a lot less maintenance and better overall ride.
Good question!