My hidden staging is five tracks deep and it is 10" rail to rail. That is pleanty of room to 0-5-0 anything I need to (but rarely have to). It can be a bit tight where the bench work is, but it works very well since I don't ever need to mess with anything. Take your time building the benchwork and laying the track.
Mike in Tulsa
BNSF Cherokee Sub
And then there's the additional clearance between the 0-5-0 and the cars, bein' that you probably don't wish to scrape the "boom" across the tops of the rolling stock.
Ed
-Dan
Builder of Bowser steam! Railimages Site
I am starting HO layout #3. This one will be based on a Allen McClelland design from the 1996 model RR planning book. It calls for a hidden staging area under a branch line terminus. The benchwork in that area will be 2 foot wide and accesible from both sides. What have any of found to be a good height to have between decks. The height of the lower deck from the floor will be 50". Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John