How far from the side of a layout would be a good distance for an n scale RR, with the idea of preventing any derails from hitting the floor? Got the foam down, ready to lay track
Most model train derailments usually involve cars and/or locomotives coming off the rails but not necessarily falling over on their sides.
As long as the trains are not on elevated tracks they're more likely to simply derail, rather than roll-over.
If you're worried about trains falling to the floor, you can lay a car or locomotive on its side near both the track and the edge of the layout, then ensure that the track is moved further back from the edge by at least it's over-all width - if something derails, and falls on it's side, chances are it won't continue rolling-over on a flat surface. It's just a guess, but I'd think that if you placed the track two track-widths from the edge, on a flat surface, it would be unlikely that a derailed car or loco would roll all the way to the edge of the layout.
If you want another option, I'd suggest making the layout fascia about 1" above the edge of the layout (like a fence), and nothing is likely to head to the floor.
My layout, an around-the-room one with a partial upper level, has lots of track very close to the layout's edge, but because I can follow along with the train, it's easy to spot if something starts to derail, then simply stop the train.
Here are a few of the close-to-the-edge locations...
Wayne
I strive for a minimum of 5cm (~2in) from centerline to edge. My current layout has a little less than that in some places but only where there is a barrier like scenery or facia that prevents things from falling off.
https://nscale4by8.github.io/nscale4x8/
Wow! And thanks!
dunno .. for N scale ??? probably the distance a loco needs to lay down on it side without hurting anything ... maybe an inch and a half or so ...it should be able to lay down without hitting the top of the fascia ..at normal speeds of course, lol
Many years ago an Atlas N-scale Trainmaster and a Atlas GP9 rolled over and off the layout right down to the floor. All I can remember is that it was double track main line and these two were on the outside track heading one way and a train with three F7s, all powered on the inside track heading the other way. The first F derailed at a crossover and pushed the Trainmaster and GP7 off the rails and they rolled compleatly over, wheels up and off the layout they went. So some times stupid stuff happens.
Build a wall or fence to denote edge of railroad property. Obviously do not have any railroad items catching/hitting as they run.
For added realism have a speed restriction on that section (and adhere to it).
Just my
David
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Derailings and uncouplings going forward (pulling a string of cars) are generally not a problem. Derailings going backwards (pushing a string of cars) may or may not be a problem, but have the potential to become a huge problem; or even a disaster. The issue is when pushing, the derailed cars can jack knife. And if the knife is in the direction of the benchwork edge, cars can be pushed over the 500-foot cliff. Happened to me. Once. At the club. The yard was designed to maximize the number of tracks, and the outermost was 1" from the front edge. No railing or barrier. For whatever reason, that track was always clear and a tempting spot to work. Never again!
On my layout, I keep a minimum of 3" from the edge. I also shape the landscape with a berm or a rise on the outboard right-of-way whenever possible. Not foolproof, but it helps. And nowadays I am always aware of the proximity to danger.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
Thanks, on my last layout, I lost two locomotives, and was backing when it happened, they hit the floor. The spur was about an inch from the edge of the layout, and the locomotives were toast! Never want that to happen again!
Hello All,
I don't believe distance is the answer.
Some sections of my trackage are right up against the edge; including a section of the 3% grade and the entire live coal unloading platform.
The maximum distance on my HO pike from track-center to the edge is 1-1/2 inches (that's along the entire 8-foot side of my 4'x8' pike).
I've only had four (4) track-to-floor incidents and none were "fatal."
A raised barrier around the layout would be a better solution.
Strips of plexiglass, Luan plywood, or Masonite® extending up from the facia approximately 1/2-inch should suffice for N scale.
If you are employing distance as a buffer I would estimate twice the height of your tallest car or load.
Depending on the size of your pike this could seriously affect the radii of your curves.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
NScale4x8I strive for a minimum of 5cm (~2in) from centerline to edge. My current layout has a little less than that in some places but only where there is a barrier like scenery or facia that prevents things from falling off.
That fits nicely with the HOn3 modular standard of 4" from centerline to edge. If there is something in the scenery preventing a falling, then closer is allowed. You might check what Free-mo N uses.
In HO standard gauge, the 1.5" to 2" that is common on 4x8 layouts can be just a little too small to prevent proving gravity works between layout and floor. Don't ask me how I know this.
Fred W