How Much Space Is Needed For Two Side by Side Rail Lines?

[mobilman44]

Hi,

Lots of good answers so far, and may I add.........

You can pick up some of the older Kalmbach books on Ebay for a few bucks and the info is still valid.  Mr. Armstrongs book of realistic operation is invaluable. 

It's pretty easy to figure out what works for double straight (tangent) trackage, but determining what is OK for double curved track is not as easy.  Obviously you need more separation depending on tighter curve or longer cars/locos - due of course to "overhang".  And then there is that pull of centrifigal force which may add to the space needed.  

And of course there is that "what looks best to me" factor................
   

[starman]

Thank you all for your comments.  I knew I could count on this forum for answers.  I think I now know what I will do.

[tomikawaTT]

One question.  Do you mean double track or two separate companies.

All of the answers so far have been for double track.  I won't give mine.  I work in the Metric system and there are metricphobes who would take offense.

If, OTOH, you mean two independent companies, the spacing would be wide enough to allow each company to site signals, pole lines and such between the tracks without interfering with the other.

My own layout is 16' 0" by 19' 4" and fills the 'buildable' space of a double garage.  It supports five different railway companies (three of them minimal static displays) but only has closely spaced parallel tracks at passing sidings and in yards.  The one short stretch of visible Japan National Railways double track has been modeled as two tracks built at different times on different alignments, so the tracks are four inches or more apart.  The two fully modeled railways aren't parallel anywhere.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

[RR_Mel]

I use 2” on my straight mainline and 3” on my 30” radius curves.  The worst over hang I have is the cab and pilot on my Cab Forwards and they clear easily at 3”.

 

 

Mel

 

Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

[Anonymous]

starman

If I want to run two (2) rail lines side by side, both straight and curves, how much width should I dedicate for this?

Follow the NMRA standards and RPs for this.  It also depends on the equipment you are running and your curve radius. 

If your are running class Ia (see linked chart) locomotives on a Class I or II curve (despite the NMRA recommendations, manufacturers engineer rolling stock and locomotives so that they will traverse unprototypical curves, so it is sometimes possible), you will need to increase your track spacing appropriately for the excess overhang caused by pivoting drive gear on articulated locomotives, etc.

  Approximate measuerments are given here, as previously linked.

http://www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/standards/sandrp/pdf/s-8.pdf

[rogerhensley]

Well I would say 2 inches for passenger trains and modern freight.

[tgindy]

Note the distance of 3" on-center for the sectional track radius of Atlas Code 83 and Atlas Code 100 for HO Scale.

[BigDaddy]

This is also discussed in John Armstrong's book  Track Planning for Realistic Operation.  It is money well spent, though part of it deals with what I would call humongous home layouts.

[jjdamnit]

Hello all,

Check out this thread...

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/254250.aspx

You'll probably have to copy & paste into your browser or you can highlight the link, right-click and Open Link.

Hope this helps.

["JaBear"]

http://www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/standards/sandrp/pdf/s-8.pdf

[starman]

I am currently building the benchwork for my HO layout in a 13’ x 19’ foot room.  If I want to run two (2) rail lines side by side, both straight and curves, how much width should I dedicate for this?  Thanks in advance for your reply!