track center clearance

[jkroft]

Is 1" center-to-center enough for a yard? (n scale) My Peco code 55 turnouts line up this way and I figure this is enough clearance if my yard has no bends. Am I wrong? I really don't want to have to cut a tiny piece of flex for spacing...

[jrbernier]

1" is 13'4" in N scale. Just about perfect for prototype spacing. Now, you may need to increase that figure if your yard is on a curve as long cars may side-swipe.

Jim

[tomikawaTT]

That's a prototypical clearance for an older yard, so you're fine from that point of view. The problem will come when you try to get the 0-5-0 in to rerail a car or just lift one out. Unless you have really long fingernails, it just won't fit.

Of course, you can keep a pair of flat-sided tongs on hand for emergencies.

Newer multi-track main lines are being built with 21 foot track centerline spacing, a tad over 1 1/2 inches in N scale. Most yards are still 14 ft on centers.

Chuck

[jrbernier]

Track centers for the prototype have been a minumum of 15' since the 60's. The UP has been doing their new triple track on 20' centers, and BNSF has been using 30' centers on the new section of the 'Transcon'. These wide centers are so track workers do not have to 'de-mount' from their equipment as trains pass at restricted speed on the near main line.
BTW, the actual geometry of the Peco code 80 trackage results in a 1 1/16th" track spacing when using their turnouts for cross-overs. The newer code 55 may just be 1" centers. I have 2" centers(HO) in my yard, and have no problems. I uncouple using a small screwdriver blade(the 'skewer' method). The '0-5-0' is for emergencies.......

Jim Bernier

[markpierce]

NMRA's website includes recommended practices for track centers. The distance depends on radius and type of rolling stock and locomotives used. The recommended distance for easy handling is 1-3/16 inches. Minimum distances range from 1-1/4 inches and 1-13/32 inches. The distances really don't vary a great deal in this scale.

[Don Gibson]

Only STRAIGHT track can be similar to the prototype.
TURNOUT MANUFACTURES seem to use 2.25" for #6 Crossovers.
CURVES require more distantace to prevent sideswiping.

PRACTICAL:
YARD spacing is generally determined by the ladders. #6 may look cool but #4's are better for allowing fingers beween tracks (setting up, rerailing, etc.)