I plan on changing my track plan and lay some double track sections. How far apart should the track be placed?
What scale locomotives and rolling stock do you have? A Bachmann (or other manufacturer's)1:20.3 box car is quite a bit wider than a 1:32 scale model.
I run mostly 1:20.3 locomotives and rolling stock, so I try to keep double track lines at least 6 inches apart; preferably more whenever possible, especially on curves.
I run both Aristocraft and USA trains. Is that 6 inches from center line to center line or the rail?
Doug1953 I run both Aristocraft and USA trains. Is that 6 inches from center line to center line or the rail?
That would be centerlines with exceptions. The smaller diameter track need a wider spacing. The EASYEST way to tell how much space you need is to place the track side by side, then try two of your biggest cars see how much clearance you have.
Dave
The head is gray, hands don't work , back is weak, legs give out, eyes are gone, money go's and my wife still love's Me.
I agree that six inches would be fine on the straight sections, but I am not sure it would work on the curves. That would depend on the size of cars and engines you run. In my storage shed I have the tracks 8 inches on center because I have the room. I think on my previous layout I had a lot of track on 7 inch centers everywhere.
Paul
if you are using 8/9 or 9/10 ft diameter track your spacing will be 6 inch's on center. But if you use 10/11.5 ft diameter the you will have a nice 9 inch spacing on the turns.
When planning a new layout, I take over the patio. I lay the track plan on the patio using the planned curves with straight-aways about one fourth length (or less for longer runs). This way I can check out how the plan is going to function. Curves, sidings, turn out to yards, and the layout of the yards. I leave the layout on the patio for a few weeks until I’m satisfied it will do what I want. Then and only then I move it all to the dirt.
Tom Trigg
Thanks folks. Your comments have been very helpful.
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