to my mind there's no real difference between the EMGS/PECO versions and the template-based layouts we're so familiar with.
Hi Adam,
A couple of important differences come to mind. The first is that the traditional templates are available in a wide range of sizes. But it's likely to be a long time before such a full range is available from EMGS/Peco, indeed it's very likely that the B-6 will be the only size available for some time given the level of investment needed.
Secondly, and to me more significantly, they are
dead straight. Maybe it will be found that they can be curved a fraction, but it's not likely they will curve properly in both similar- and contra-flexure to create a proper curved crossover. And even if they do, a B-6 is too short to be significantly curved without the inner radius becoming too tight.
Even using the Society/C&L templates it is difficult to make good curved turnouts. This was actually the reason I created Templot in the first place, the need to have proper curved turnout templates. Because so much of the bullhead railway was in fact curved, in some places most of it:
So I welcome these new EM ready-to-use turnouts (and also the Peco 00 ones despite their geometry), but I see them mainly as a starting point to get folks into building track in more sizes and formations.
A small shunting yard can probably use two or thee of these B-6 turnouts and look very good. They are the right size for a small yard, and the fact that they are all straight won't necessarily look out of place.
But larger layouts built entirely using straight B-6 turnouts are going to look all very samey, and not very convincing. But much better than no layout at all of course, if ready-made pointwork is the only way.
cheers,
Martin.