HO scale:
I’m looking at running long cars (autoracks, etc) on 2 parallel mainline curves, (also two helix curves) of OuterRadius 31". What is the minimum curve I can use for the InnerRadius, while still having trains pass one another simultanously on these 2 tracks.
In other words what is the minimum distance I need to provide between the centerlines of the 2 tracks?
What are the two minimum and maximum radius circles I need to provide these 2 tracks such that their ‘overhangs’ don’t interfer with outside/inside, scenery/structure obstacles, etc?
If you want to see if YOUR cars will work, the only way you’ll get an answer is to set up a test track and play around. You’ll be able to see all the factors at work, car-length, coupler type, etc. and see what works and doesn’t.
I guess the first post about autoracks and radius, which involved the well known poster, Anonymous, you know, the one with the 300,865 post count, and Brian trying to revive it, got deleted!
Mike.
EDIT: My reply included things about Dr. Frankendiesel, Space Mouse for president, and such things, Oh well, it’s gone.
Brian’s query was split from the original thread to create a new one and the 11-1/2 year old thread returned to its former place of blissful sleep so it can be resurrected again at some future date.
Sometimes it makes sense to revive an older thread. In this case, however, it was better to start a new one that specifically addressed Brian’s questions about track spacing. I just wish the forum software allowed you to move the subsequent responses along with the split thread.
Here is a duplicate answer, same answer I gave in that other forum you asked that question:
Yes, I’d go with a separation of 2 1/2 inches between tracks rather than 2 1/4 inches. A little extra margin helps make sure long rolling stock will pass each other without issues.
BTW, I highly recommend John Armstongs Track Planning for Realistic Operation. He discusses things like separation of tracks on curves and recommendations of centerline distances for straight track and various sharpnesses of curves.
That 1/4 inch sharper inner radius won’t make nearly as much difference to trains as the margin of seperation will for ability to run longer cars.
Take a look at NMRA Standards 7 and 8, and Recommended Practice 11. You can download then from the NMRA website. And John Armstrong “Track Planning for Realistic Operation” is extremely useful.
Like you I have some long autoracks and passenger cars I want to run on my layout. My plans have evolved from an original concept that had multiple 24" loops, to one that now has its loops and helix all in one ‘structure’. I was hoping to make this helix structure as large of a radius as possible, but I have a physical limiting main power pole out back of my train shed that is just ‘in-the-way’. I’ve have looked at options to have it moved, but it is cost restrictive. I have decided I am going to move the shed as far forward under my carport as possible (gaining about 6").
This should allow for me to have a max 32" outer radius for my double track helix and mainline loops. (It might have to be only 31" at worst case). So assuming worst case I believe I can have a second inner radius at 2.5" less,…28.5". Am I correct, is 2.5" centerline track spacing enough at these sort of radiuses?
If so that means a distance of about 1.25" from the centerline of the track to an imaginary barrier between the two tracks should be OK? Furthermore a likewise 1.25" clearance outboard of the outer track should be OK??
Brian
I did some testing out on my ‘outdoor test bench’ . As I have mentioned before I feel I can easily fit a helix into my plans that will have,…
Outer radius 31 inches
Inner radius 28.5 inches
I decided to glue some track down on my ‘bench’ in those 2 dimensions. I chose the 2.5" between tracks dimension after reading a great number of postings indicating that this seems to be adequate for basic curved tracks at these sort of radiuses.
So here are my 2 tracks that also have penciled in lines located 1" outboard of them (1" eith
BTW, I moved my shed forward yesterday with some help from a friend with a big pick-up truck, a trailer hitch, and a come-along. Got it moved 8" forward (max possible) !!
I’m putting a 24" radius track on my test board today, as I may well need to utilize this tighter radius in some of my staging area, staging access, and freight yard(s).
I’m also trying to sort out a ‘focus problem’ I am suddenly having with my once excellent Fuji FinePix S700 camera.
So in both cases here its suggested that 2.5 inches between the centerlines of the 2 tracks should work out.
That insinuates that it should only require 1.25" between the centerline of either track to a ‘imaginary barrier’ between the 2 tracks?
Those autoracks are on the 26" curve, and it appears barely enough for them, although that flatbed has the same footprint as autoracks and it seems it could make the 24".
That photo was from a guy who was experimenting before he decided to go N scale and is not anything like a recommended practice for HO. Note the N scale equipment on an inner circle.
There is a difference between posing trains on lines and trying to drag (or worse, shove) them around curves, especially with grades or in a helix.
I’ve seen those monster in action at the Bucyrus club and from that observation I will keep curves to 36" even though they looked more comfortable on the club’s 50" and 48" curves.
