Building a layout in HO scale. I got a 24 inch radius curve that I want to create a parallel track on the outside. How far off the center of track does the other track need to be??
http://www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/s-8.html
Smile,
Stein
Here’s a link to the NMRA SP page on track centers http://www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/s-8.html
As you can see it depends on your equipment. 2 3/32, 2 5/16, and not given for the largest equipment for this sharp a curve.
Enjoy
Paul
Thanks Guys, Just making sure i was looking at the right stuff. Not planning on running anything much bigger then a 4-6-2. Wanting to start construction on the bench work but that will have to wait until next weekend. Double Checking to insure I got my layout set up right. Life just got more intresting around her with a new Baby girl on Feb. 10.
Congratulations, and welcome to the start of your “daaaaad!”-hood! [:D]
Grin,
Stein
Oh heck man this is the second one, the first one is a 2yrd old boy, who has rekindled the fire in my belly for Model Railroading.
Congratulations! Is she your first, or have you already discovered the delights of caring for a newborn?
Even though you aren’t planning to run long rigid wheelbase locomotives, two inch differential might be a bit tight if your Pacific is pulling full-length pullmans. I personally use 60mm offset, even though my longest rolling stock is less than 70 scale feet long. (FWIW, so does Kato Unitrack.)
The NMRA recommended practices are based on work done many years ago. It’s far better to do your own tests and set your own standards.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
You can set your own standards by trial and error, but you will find that a 4-6-2 is still a 4-6-2 and an 85 foot passenger car is still an 85 foot passenger car.
In other words, the Standards still apply and the work done years ago is still valid. However, you can do whatever you wish. 