Ok, I might get flamed for this, but I've noted that the track spacing in N scale is horrendously wide! I'm not only talking about modules but also many layouts. I suppose perhaps it is so one can get his fingers between the track, but it looks so unrealistic, IMO. (I model in HO.) What's the deal? Is the emperor not wearing his clothes or am I the only one that is noticing this?
What scale feet are the track centers, 20-25 ft? Enquiring minds want to know.
Victor A. Baird
www.erstwhilepublications.com
NTRAK track centers are 1.5" (20'). Traditional track centers are 15' or less. New construction on prototype main lines now is in the 20-30' range to allow mow crews to remain mounted when a train passes. Yard tracks are still built to 15' track centers.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Newer large locomotives and rolling stock are designed to run on very sharp curves,usual on many N scale layouts.However,even if the trucks can swivel to accomodate these radiuses,their lengths translate in important overhangs.Tracks have to be spaced larger so the trains don't touch in parallel curves.
wabash2800I've noted that the track spacing in N scale is horrendously wide
I think that's an over-generalization – and certainly not accurate for many N scale layouts. Except for modules (which have their own standards), the N scale layouts I design for folks typically have track-to-track spacings about the same (in scale measurements) as in HO. Depending on radius, era, and prototypes, these are as tight as 1” and more often 1 1/16" to 1 1/8”, sometimes broader for tight curves. 1" scales out to 13’4”, 1 1/8" to 15’. What track centers do you use for HO? (By the way, 2” in HO scales out to about 14’6”.)
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
I use 2" for HO which is about 14.5 ft., a good compromise. Reference the N scale spacing, I'm not sure if my point is an over generalization as I'm seeing the over-spacing almost everywhere. (Note the N scale layout in the current MR issue.) As far as overhang on curves, how about just wider spacing on curves? Or do most N scalers use sectional track?
Since I have gotten into building N scale T-Trak modules using Katos Unitrack I have been using their measurment for track spacing which is 33mm. It looks to be 1-9/16" in inches. It gives extra space on curves for long locos and cars to pass. Katos rerailer has slots on its edge that space out the track on 33mm centers.
Purely from an appearance standpoint, I am more troubled by track spacing that has to widen for curves and then returns to "normal" for the tangents than I am with overwide track spacing. If the overwide spacing can keep a consistent width or distance between tangents and curves then I think it is preferable.
For my HO layout I had to construct a test track (using the cheapest brass track I could find at a swap meet, including some old Atlas fibre tie flex track which frankly wasn't very flexible at all) to see what radius curve would let me keep a consistent 2 inch spacing for my double track main line, if I wanted two passenger trains with full length cars, or 89' auto parts cars and long flatcars, to pass each other safely. Curves of 38" and 40" radius just barely cleared so I went with 40" and 42" as my two minimum curve radii, but not everybody has that luxury.
Dave Nelson
wabash2800I use 2" for HO which is about 14.5 ft., a good compromise.
That's a little wider than some N scale layouts, narrower than others.
wabash2800Reference the N scale spacing, I'm not sure if my point is an over generalization as I'm seeing the over-spacing almost everywhere.
Possibly confirmation bias. I don't see wide spacing "everywhere", and I have seen a lot of N scale layouts. NTRAK modular specifications are fairly wide (they were developed a long time ago).
wabash2800(Note the N scale layout in the current MR issue.)
Haven't received the issue yet -- and of course, one published layout does not reflect all N scale layouts.
wabash2800As far as overhang on curves, how about just wider spacing on curves?
In my experience, about the same proportion of N scalers vary the spacing on curves as do HO scalers. That is to say, probably not most.
wabash2800Or do most N scalers use sectional track?
No. Based on my clients and the layouts I've seen, the percentages of flex vs. sectional are about the same as in HO. Click-track is perhaps more visible in N scale because KATO Unitrack has so many more options in N scale than in HO.
I am with you Victor! Always thought the N Trak spacing didn't look right. I model in N scale and use 1 1/4" spacing (15" min radius) now that I am older. When I was young I used 1 1/8" centers because my fingers were more nimble (and eyesite better?). I used 1" in yards but now I just use 1 1/4" everywhere so I can get handle cars without knocking over rolling stock on adjacent tracks! 1/4" difference doesn't seem like much, but it still looks good and makes my life easier.
Tim
We're using 1.5" centers on Omni rail, I'm not entirely sure what you're talking about OP it looks fine to me. Why do you care? If you model in HO what's the benefit to you? it's a bit belittling to be honest.
SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.
http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide
Gary DuPrey
N scale model railroader
In N 1.5" is probably the better choice since it allows "finger" room for rerailing a car if the need araises.
To my mind 1- 1 1/4" centers looks good but,lacks the finger room for rerailing(if needed) or placing a new car on the layout.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
cuyama wabash2800 Reference the N scale spacing, I'm not sure if my point is an over generalization as I'm seeing the over-spacing almost everywhere. Possibly confirmation bias. I don't see wide spacing "everywhere", and I have seen a lot of N scale layouts.
wabash2800 Reference the N scale spacing, I'm not sure if my point is an over generalization as I'm seeing the over-spacing almost everywhere.
Possibly confirmation bias. I don't see wide spacing "everywhere", and I have seen a lot of N scale layouts.
Alton Junction
Burlington Northern #24 We're using 1.5" centers on Omni rail, I'm not entirely sure what you're talking about OP it looks fine to me. Why do you care? If you model in HO what's the benefit to you? it's a bit belittling to be honest.
Of course, as a fellow HO modeler, now that you have pointed this out, I agree. It seems that this N scale problem exists almost everywhere.
Rich
I dabbled in N back in the mid '80s. I found it was too dang small for me to work properly with.
I recall my small yard that I had to space out the tracks so I could get ahold of the cars, w/o knocking all the adjoining track occupants over on their side.
All that being said, its all what the builder wants - and if it makes him/her happy, that is perfect spacing.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
My apologies for using the words "horrendously" and "unrealistic"...
That must have touched a nerve. I suppose it's akin to picking on the Three-Railer Lionel crowd.
I don't know of any N Scale problem as I have been in it for over thirty years but for the spacing I use 1.5 inch seperation on my double track main. I am all Peco Flex track and my double crossover spacing seems to measure 1.25 inches so I had to narrow up some on each track entering and leaving the crossover.
I choose 1.5 inches for ease of getting my hands in there if needed and this made the tunnel portals close on the sides using Woodland Scenics plaster portals when running passenger trains or high cube box cars but it all works and seems to me to convey the largness of things when two trains pass next to each other. For me I like the look of it and would use this spacing again.
My narrowest radius is 15 inches and that is for industrial but my mains are out there at 20 to 26 inches so passenger car overhang has never been a problem on the curves and I don't run the modern long cars of today. Doug
wabash2800 My apologies for using the words "horrendously" and "unrealistic"... That must have touched a nerve. I suppose it's akin to picking on the Three-Railer Lionel crowd.
In N 1.5" spacing is 20 Scale feet center to center. I'm sure we could cut that down to an inch or less accounting for overhang. It stays that way through the curves(20" on Omni rail), I was running my rather large UP(& 1 ATSF) 89' open autoracks aat the GCH when my club was there they were the second largest thing on the layout(only bested by a UP challenger). Nothing caught or rubbed so I'd suppose the 1.5 inch centers are there to allow the myriad of N scale equipment to run without risk of damage.
I'd stoop to insults but I'm here to enjoy the hobby as a whole and not nitpick what others are doing, it makes all model railroaders(N scale, O gauge, S Scale, Z scale, O scale, HoN3, Nn3, TT scale, and even HO scale) look bad.
I am looking forward to seeing what spacing MR uses for the N scale Burlington project layout.