measurement between tracks

[Lodens5]

Hi all

   what would you recommed the measurement between tracks, with two track running parallel with each other . I plan to have these running along my deck before they go into the garden on a reversing loop.

cheers Dennis

Thanks for all the postings on the reversing loops.

P.S. Ian did you get my E-mails.

[bman36]

Hi Dennis,

     I will give the same recommendation as I would for tunnels or bridges. What is the largest piece of equipment you have? That should be your minimum. Consider also what you are running today may not be the same next year. If someone else were to come over and run their train on your layout, could they? Narrow guage is the widest equipment out there. My Bachmann 45 tonner measures almost 6" across. In order for two of those to be able to pass each other my tracks would have to be at least 6" apart when measured from centre to centre. Get the idea? Like I said, plan for the largest possible. Of course there are always restrictions based on the available space you have. At least this way you will know ahead of time what CAN run on your layout. There is almost nothing more frustrating than running a new loco for the first time only to have it demolish half your layout. Some of these engines are pretty heavy and will do just that before derailing. Hope that helps. Later eh...Brian.

 

 

[Lodens5]

Hi Brian,

         Thanks for that info that was very helpful, This forum can answer so many questions it's great. thanks again.

Cheers Dennis.

[ghelman]

Dennis, you should also take into account the sweeps on the older steam locomotves. When going around turns sweeps can really swing out. I built a tunnel once only to find that one of my locomotive sweeps hit the side because the tunnel was to close to a turn.

[Anonymous]

Dennis mate; Vould i ask you not to write so small i am not as young as iused tobe and i can hardlyread them. I do take the point about a loco being 6" wide i had not considered that but i allow 40 mm per track which means you have 80 mm between double tracks and 40 mm clearance on either side. I have a lot of elevated track and i allow 110 mm for a single track and 300 mm for a double track.

I have had a number of running days and no one has hit anyone else at all but i do take the point about that really big engine. The business about overhang is quite relevant  aas well my Mallet is a real mongrel for that sort of thing, particularly in reverse

Rgds ian.   

 

[Lodens5]

Hi Ian ,

            Sorry about the font size,thanks for your info that is very helpful. Did you get my E-mail about the info you could send me,re reversing loops, you said yours were automatic, I would love to wire mine that way.

Cheers Dennis.

[Anonymous]

Dennis i  have a very bad memory seeing as i am 70 years old; so i answered your email immedialtely, I'll do it again if i can. I have had many enquiries and i thought i answered them all.

Rgds Ian

R

[Lodens5]

Hi Ian .Thanks for the reply, Have you any info on how you wired your reversing loops automaticly.

Dont worry about your age,you sound pretty young to me .

Cheers Mate.

Dennis.