I need to point out a statement that is not true:
"One common misconception about model switches is that a certain number corresponds to a particular radius of the track. Switch geometry doesn't work this way, and switches aren't a constant curve radius." "
prototype switches are RARELY designed so the diverging route is a constant curve radius (but look at city trolley lines)
unfortunately many model switches are OFTEN designed so that the diverging route is a constant curve!
Certainly in the case of LGB sectional track they are "curved".... making the diverging route exactly match the curvature of sectional track makes track planning easy.
"larger" switches are usually like the prototype.... especially when the frog number is given, and #6 and "up" is usually the dividing line between a diverging route that exactly matches a piece of curved sectional track, as opposed to a curve from the points to the frog, and then a constant, straight set of diverging rails.
So, all LGB are "curved", the Aristo wide radius and smaller, the USA trains switches "smaller" than the #6.... the "larger" Piko switches approach prototypes, as well as the Train Line ones.
You cannot make a generalization in this case of which brand is what, except LGB...
In terms of operation, there should be no difference, the "angle" of the switch's diverging route is a big factor, but so are many other factors in a switch, gauge, flange widths, frog geometry, wing rail flange widths, etc.
A fascinating subject, but somewhat tricky to understand as there is a lot of interaction between the switch geometry and the wheelset dimensions.
Greg
