Sleeper (tie) spacing

[Rastun]

When the 1:1 railroads lay track around a curve do they try to keep the spacing the same on the outside of the curve, allowing the inside to be slightly closer than normal or do they keep the spacing on the inside of the curve and allow the spacing to be farther apart on the outside [?]

Common sense would tell me keep the outside at the proper spacing and bring the inside closer together to keep rail support and loading at least what it is on a straight section.

Thanks in advance,
Jack

[CandCRR]

Jack,

Since apparently no one knows for sure I will share what I have been told. I have not been able to find an "official" answer but someone in the building industry told me it would be the same spacing on the outside of the track, closer on the inside. He told me the spacing is in part is based on the weight load that can be carried. If the ties were farther apart anywhere that would reduce the load that the could be handled.

Jaime

[kstrong]

Spacing was never "precise," either. Most specs for standard gauge railroads had a range between 19" to 22". So long as the ties were within that range, they were fine. Also, the differences between the spacing on either end of the ties for the average standard gauge curve would be pretty small.

Later,

K

[Rastun]

From my own research since this question was posted back in April, I have found. As Mr. Strong pointed out there is a range for the tie spacing, thus with very large radius curves as 1:1 railroads use the tie spacing at the outside of the curve and the inside of the curve spacing stay within the limits and the ties are measured for spacing along the center line of the track.

Take care,
Jack