Elevated Line

[traindaddy1]

LION88ROAR:... Another great idea. I remember when building one of my first layouts, I didn't allow for space between tracks on the curves for the longer passenger cars. (Lesson learned!) Thanks,

[lion88roar]

5 1/2 inch clearance above track height or layout surface?

The best way to determine this is to put the tallest car you have on the track and add 1 inch. Why? Because you never know.

On my Christmas layout I have a Lionel Snow Globe car that my daughter just loves. Problem is it needs approx. 8 inches of clearance above the track! And it is so wide it requires double-track tunnel portals. In short, because of the odd size of this car it will be put on a side track that isn't always powered...

[traindaddy1]

Fifedog: Buckeye Riveter:  Thanks for your input.

Bob Nelson:  You know, I haven't run my NH 2350 on the lower track. That extra 1/2" might be well worth it.

Again, thanks.

[lionelsoni]

You'll need about 5 3/4 to clear a raised pantograph on a GG1 or an EP5 reliably with the contact shoes tilted.  I would go with 6 inches if possible.

[Buckeye Riveter]

As Fifedog stated, 5 1/2" should be plenty.  Watch the clearances where you go under a bridge.  You may lose 1/2" at that point.  Lionel tunnel portals can be used to provide  a template for the clearance needed.  

[fifedog]

5 1/2" should be plenty.  Do you have some pics of your current layout, in order to give a better opinion...?

[traindaddy1]

Fast question:  

We are considering re-doing the elevated line on the layout. The present height has a 5 1/2" clearance.

How high would you suggest the new elevated line be?

As always, many thanks.