Spacing on curves in HP

[Anonymous]

I would like to know what the spacing should be on curves for double tracks, I will be running both 1950's freight and streamline passenger cars on the lines.

[Anonymous]

Try John Armstrong's book on Track Planning for Realistic Operation and the other one on Layout Design. Both will serve you well for many years and are good timeless resources. Charts, diagrams, and statistics are included with respect to many design and operational issues. Good luck.

[rogerhensley]

I have no idea about HP, but if you mean HO, take a look on the NMRA site in the Standards area at http://www.nmra.org/standards/

I depends upon the size of equipment you are running and you curves. You want S-8 Track Centers and S-7 Clearances. In S-8 the first column 'M' gives you a good average for track spacing on curves and the next column 'Tangent' gives you the spacing for straight track.

Roger

Roger Hensley - [e-mail]
== http://cid.railfan.net/ ==
== Central Indiana Division, NMRA ==

[dknelson]

Spacing will be a function of how long your longest cars are, and what the radius is
I actually bought some cheap brass flex track at a swap meet and laid sample curves on a piece of plywood. I discovered my full length passenger cars could pass each other safely with 2" spacing and curves of 40 and 42 inch radius
They would also work with 38 and 40 inch radius but it was pretty tight and some cars might interfere
Used brass track can be had so cheaply at swap meets that I would suggest this method to anyone -- a good practical test for what the theory will tell you
Dave Nelson