Track seperation distances on straights, in yards, and on curves

[JFStahl]

When laying parallel tracks, what is the distance that should be left for clearance between tracks on turns of different diameters, in straightways and in yards?

[two tone]

Hi JF,   Its trial and error put your biggest wagons/ coaches on the two tracks run them along when you are happy with the clearance then thats it  remember locos can be a bit wider tham rolling stock.    On curves always give plenty of clearance its is surprising how much over hang there is on curves again allow locos plenty of space.

[JFStahl]

Hello Two Tone:

Thanks for the info.  I had hoped there were some formule or tables I could refer to.

Regards,

John

[Greg Elmassian]

John, you first need to specify what scale, the spacing between tracks really depends on if you are 1:20.3, 1:29. 1:32, etc... if you will run all different scales, pick for 1:20.3.... you can use prototype dimensions scaled to your scale.

The trick will be on curves, since most prototype railroads did not have curves anywhere as sharp as we do.

I'll look around and see what I can find, but let us know the scale(s) you are running.

Greg

[spikejones52002]

I selected my longest car (Aristo passenger). I tapped a white board marker in the inside middle and outside end. The desired curve (mine 10 ft Dia). Place the track was on paper. I moved the car back and forth. That gave me the over hang on each end.

Then I begin to run articulated engines. The outside over hang depended on how they built the engine. MTH's Big Boy only the front truck is articulated. The back truck is rigid. MTH's Challenger both trucks are articulated. Now you need greater clearance.

You need more clearance when the engine or car transfers from curve to straight.

When I was riding the C.S.S. & S.B. to work. One day I took a ruler with me. I opened the window in the vistabero. As we were rolling on straight. I measured the distance. =12 inches between cars.