Yes, I suppose that cost per "scale foot" would be lower for N. Thanks for that.
When I built my first few turnouts I really liked them but there was sooooo much I didn't know. After using them with a whole bunch of different engines and rolling stock, began to learn about the differences in wheel gauge in what manufacturers shipped and the difference in what happens with body mount versus truck mint couplers. Also what happens on curves into and it of turnouts and changes in track elevation.
I use the NMRA gauge more now. Making sure that there is the appropriate flange distance around the point area and that the frog point is far enough back that it won't get picked even with wheels that are gauge a bit fatter (but still in spec). Also making sure that there is enough room at the entrance to the point rail so that slightly narrowly gauged wheels still work properly.
I find that manufacturers like to configure their locos with the wheel gauge as narrow as possible (but still stay in spec or really close) which helps them to negotiate tighter corners BUT can cause issues on turnouts. So, I take extra time in building turnouts to make sure they are in spec and there is enough clearance (for example, I put a taper on my guard rails, similar to the ones on wing rails - this helps with things like low trip pins or a truck that is almost derailed.
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