Classification/storage yard

[sailor38]

Using only Atlas Snap switches (which I believe are number 4), how many tracks can I cram into an area two feet wide? It will be about four feet long and I will want a runaround track as well. (I realize they must not only be far enough apart to keep the rolling stock from colliding, but also leave enough space for my fingers to get between them.)

[Big_Boy_4005]

Actually, a snap switch has a curved diverging leg that is an 18"radius. That is sharper than a #4. 2" track spacing is comfortable, especially if you need to get your fingers in between tracks. I believe the minimum spacing for parallel straight tracks in HO is 1-3/4".

Sticking to the 2" rule, the answer is 11 tracks in 24". You will have to do some cutting on those snaps to achieve this track spacing.

[randybc2003]

Four feet isn't enough (I think) to get 11 tracks. Check out John Armstrong's book on track planning, and lay out a "split compound" ladder. The main feeds from the middle, and branches off in both directions. I once used 2' (length) to get 7 tracks with this procedure and No. 6 lambert (Shinohara) 3-ways. Good Luck [:)]

[Anonymous]

Having just finished laying the track for such a yard, I can tell you that a much more significant limiting factor than shelf width or track spacing is the length of the ladder giving access to all those body tracks. You might want to look at the John Armstrong book "Track Planning for Realistic Operation" (Kalmbach) for lots of good information and suggestions on various forms of ladder (split, compound, compound split). The old Atlas track planning book "Atlas Custom-Line Layouts for HO Scale Railroads" has a helpful set of diagrams for #4 and #6 ladders showing the length occupied by the ladder for various- width yards.

As for track spacing, the Atlas book also discloses that both #4 and #6 Atlas turnout ladders will produce 2" spacing, and that wider spacing can be obtained by placing one 1"-long track section between each turnout for each 1/4" of additional spacing desired.

Hope this helps.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by randybc2003

Four feet isn't enough (I think) to get 11 tracks. Check out John Armstrong's book on track planning, and lay out a "split compound" ladder. The main feeds from the middle, and branches off in both directions. I once used 2' (length) to get 7 tracks with this procedure and No. 6 lambert (Shinohara) 3-ways. Good Luck [:)]

[#oops] I forgot about the ladder length, I was just talking about the width. Theoretically 11 would be the maximum number of tracks for a 24" wide area.