track spacing and clearances

[aviator817]

Just starting to plan and am having difficulty determining minimum track separations and clearances at portals and overpasses. Is there a reference? I know that minimum spacing and clearances will change as a function of track diameter, scale being run, etc.

[cabbage]

Well a little more information from you would help... What SCALE are you building your railway at, what GAUGE is the track, and finally but most importantly -what is the original LOADING GAUGE you are using.

Let me explain. If I model a railway in the BERNE loading gauge -then I can fit std British Railways loading gauge carriages and locos along with European stock. The reverse is not true. If I build models to the CAPE loading gauge then my rolling stock is wider than the BERNE loading gauge -but lower in height -plus the gauge of the track is narrower.

Have a look here: http://www.dself.dsl.pipex.com/MUSEUM/LOCOLOCO/loadgauge/loadgauge.htm

Drawing from my favourite information sources shows me that some thing as easy as "the six foot way" might be what you are looking for i.e six scale feet between the rails or three scale feet either side of it.

regards

ralph 

[two tone]

Good Morning and welcome, we are always pleased to see new members on the forum I see from -6GMT you are on the east coast of US if in your profile you show roughly where you are it helps others when offering advice plus you may find someone lives close to you and will help if needed.     Enjoy the hobby

[altterrain]

 Most of double track is about 7 inch center to center. That's the width of two Aristo wide radius switches back to back for a cross over -

I go a bit wider on curves.  

My tunnel portals / over passing bridges are about 9 inches and portal width about 7 inches. Clears most except tall stacks on 1/20 shays. Most of my equipment is 1/24 and 1/29.

-Brian 

[Neiler]

 I use the data from this link: http://urbaneagle.com/data/RRstddims.html

This doesn't have narrow gauge but you can scale up the NMRA  ( track centers ) recommendations from On3 to what ever scale you are building. I multiply the dimension by 48 and divide by my F scale (20.3) for an answer in inches. You could divide by 22.5, 24, 29 ... If you are modeling standard gauge then you'll have to look around.

 Of course you will want to verify that your equipment jives with your dimensions.

 

Neiler

 

[g. gage]

I model 1:29 scale and like Brian I use about 7" spacing between tracks and maintain 9.5" overhead clearance. Of course adjustments are made on curves, my minimun mainline curves are 10' dia. and up to 20' where possible.

Have Fun, Rob 

[Rex in Pinetop]

I designed and built my 2 1/2 turn helix for a 9 1/2" clearance which was plenty for 1:22.5 but then I bought a 1:20 loco and .... well lets say it's a pretty tight fit.  My advice would be to look at the largest scale you ever think you or your friends might run on your layout, get the dimensions out of a catalog or spec sheet and then add an inch safety factor.  Oh and then the grandkids will want to run their toy trains on your layout and believe it or not they are pretty tall.  I had to "modify" a smokestake just to get it to fit and so the story goes.  Remember Murphy...

Rex