Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
[quote user="gregc"] you also need to leave room for fingers if something derails <div style="clear:both;"> </div> [/quote] So a good rule of thumb (or I guess finger) would be Subroadbed depth+roadbed+track+NMRA guage+fingerspace/support for subroadbed=Distance between railheads. Assuming .5" Plywood + .1875" (3/16") Cork + .165" (Atlas Code 100 or 83 flex) + 3.007" (NMRA Mark IVb measured with a Starrett Dial Caliper) + .75" for the fingers/support for the subroadbed = 4.60" between railheads.  Loose the cork: 4.422" Loose cork and skimp on plywood (3/8" vs 1/2"): 4.297" Am I missing something? Note: Tallest piece of rolling stock is 2.70" (heavy duty flatcar with oversize load shipment).  Have several other cars with depressed centers carrying various other types of oversized loads.  The railroad line (MEC mountain division) the helix is being used to connect to the rest of the layout (Portland Terminal Co) was used for oversized loads due to having no tunnels (also kind of a problem, but not one that is unsolvable).
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!