I am constructing a first for me on the new layout a tunnel for HO scale vehicles. I know a two lane road in HO scale is approx. 3-1/2" wide 25’ HO scale and I am guesstimating an average tunnel height would be about 2-1/4" to 2-1/2" high 20’ HO scale give or take. So could one get away with using N scale railroad tunnel portals for roads? What do you use?
Your input is always greatly appreciated.
You probably already searched this, but an N-Scale double track portal (example given here - there are many others) seems to be 2.25 - 2.5" (2.25" = 30ft in N scale, but only about 16.5ft in HO scale). Height seems OK [2"], but width is a bit tight - its possible you can get away with it on a older, smaller road built in the 1920s say, or perhaps in the background (forced perspective).
One lane tunnel with traffic light directional controls, maybe? How about a one lane tunnel with active railroad tracks?
Yeah kinda the same conclusion I came up this afternoon after posting the question. I had to go out with the wife to do her weekly shopping so while she was in the store my son and I went in and browsed a LHS who caters tot he R/C crowd but has a small railroad section. I held up a package with a pair of Chooch N scale tunnel portals and an HO scale truck, like you said kinda tight, So perhaps some fabricating is in order?
Oh and on that Alaska tunnel no thanks not with the way my luck runs…lol
In my area at least most tunnels are built to provide 13’6" clearance but in Ohio vehicles arelimited to a 13’ max height. I know of a narrow 2 lane arched tunnel under some old Erie tracks where trucks have to run through the center to get that 13’ clearance. Too far to one side or the other=bad news for trailer. This tunnel is probably only 20’ wide. So that N scale tunnel isn’t too far off from prototypical, especially depending on what era you model. An HO portal shortened in height may also be workable.
Guys
I think you need a wider tunnel than “N” scale. I needed a steel truss bridge so I bought a “N” scale rail bridge and cut off and installed a wider deck to accommodate two “HO” vehicles side by side. Works great.
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Lee
Standard truck loads on the west coast have to be under 13’6". All tunnels and bridges that are 16’ and under must be labeled. Personally, I would make the tunnel higher than that unless you want that detail. DOT in your state could give that detail in the oversize rules.
Sue
In regards to height, an N scale portal seems fine. You could splice it to make it wider though. Or scratchbuild…