This question has been asked many times, but I still don’t see the answer I want.
Okay, the calc’s indicate track spacing to be 2.06"/15ft(prototype). I gather this is not pratical for yards, because you will distrub neighboring rolling stock,(big fingers), and could be too close on curves because of overhang, with passenger cars, and steam locomotives.
What is a pratical spacing for tracks in the yard, and main tracks. And still look prototypical.
Thanks,
MikeF
The NMRA’s recommended standards for track centers are a good place to start.
If you feel you need to place your fingers between the tracks in HO or N scale in a visible yard, the spacing may well be wider than the real-life railroad. But with automatic couplers, picks or magnets for uncoupling, and some care, you typically won’t need to place your fingers between the tracks.
I just use the spacing that two Peco Streamline Code 83 #6 turnouts yield when placed diverging route to diverging route.
-Crandell
I went to their website, and the spec says I should use a spacing of 2-1/4 to 2-1/2.
But when I look at professional layouts advertised by MR magazine, the spacing appears much wider. How did I come to this. When the spacing is 2 in, the cork roadbed is close to touching, and all the layouts that I’ve been looking at, have quite a bit of clearance between adjacent roadbeds.
So, I’d like to see a hard number, and their logic for their choice of spaciing.
MikeF
My classification yard tracks are spaced 46 mm (1.8’').
Wolfgang
If you aren’t going to use the standards that have been in place for years, I don’t know what to tell you. You seem to have something in mind that you just want confirmation for.
Nice looking yard.
MikeF
Yes, I am looking for confirmation. I do believe in standards. But when I see folks varying the standards, I would like to know why… It may prevent me from making an error.
—MikeF
Then do whatever you want and forget about standards. I always place track a lot further apart than the NMRA standard if space allows so I can get my fingers between rows if necessary.
I’ve asked for prototype track spacing. And I’ve got the answer for yards, class tracks this could be as close as 12’. I uncouple with magnets or wooden sticks. So I don’t need any space for fingers. I want to avoid the fingers and any reach into the layout. This could give damage.
Wolfgang
Hi Mike,
I agree with Wolfgang that there should be no reason to reach in and handle cars, or to read car numbers deep into a track. If 15 scale feet is the prototypical spacing you want, go ahead and use it.
Our track plans typically show 2-inch spacing for HO scale, but mainly that’s a convention we use for consistency, and because differences of a scale foot or two wouldn’t be apparent in the usual drawing scales.
And remember that these minimum track centers are only good for straight track. On curves you have to take overhang and clearance into account, and that will vary with the size of your rolling stock. See www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/s-8.html for the NMRA’s standards for track centers on curves.
Good luck with your layout,
Andy
Hi!
I just finished the benchwork on my 11x15 two level HO layout this morning, and will begin laying the main level track shortly. As I will have a yard/terminal and double main line, I too am looking for the best spacing for my needs.
I believe those last few words of the previous paragraph are your answer - “best spacing for my (your) needs”! Yes, I am well aware of the NMRA standards, and will use them as a starter point. But, the final spacing - be it yard tracks or double main tangent or curve - will be what works and looks “right” for me. In that regard, I will be tacking in some test tracks to see what works. Yes, that will take a bit of time, but the only way you will know for sure if the end result is suitable (for YOU) is to do some testing beforehand.
Remember, a lot of knowledgable folks worked very hard to get those NMRA standards - and as a long term member I thank them for their efforts. However, I consider the spacing standards to be a guide - perhaps even a minimum - and not something set in stone.
All that being said, it is YOUR layout and the only person that you need to satisfy is YOU.
Mobilman44
I asked Joe Fugate how he selected track spacing in his yards. (The spacing appears to be something approaching 3 inches.) Joe said the spacing was to provide easy access.
I plan to have 2.5-inch spacing on tangents. This will be the same spacing as for curves (30-34 inch radius) to avoid a “weird” appearance (for me) caused by track separation different on curves versus tangents. I don’t plan to have any yards (unless one counts hidden staging or run-around tracks.)
Mark
Only for certain radius curves. They indicate 1-13/16" for tangent tracks (main or yard).
Mike, I have been using 2" centers on all trackage for about 40 years now. For the following reasons:
Atlas custom line turnouts make crossovers and yard ladders with 2" centers.
Many other brands of track products and bridges over the years have been designed and manfactured using 2" centers.
I have large curves with easments and find it unnecessary to widen the spacing on curves.
It is close to prototype but works easily with all the of the above.
Wider spacing looks very unrealistic to me. Railroads value real estate and would not waste such space.
Sheldon
Thanks for all of your inputs. Just a note, I do believe in standards, but when folks deviate from a standard, then their is reason for concern, and a my pondering mind would like to know. My target will be 2" spacing unless conditions dictate otherwise.
Thanks,
…MikeF
I’ve uploaded to my download site an Excel program. With this you can calculate the needed separation from curved tracks in dependency on car length.
Wolfgang
Wolfgang,
Very nice computer/mathmatics work there. And it even matches the numbers I did 3 decades ago with a slide rule, pencil and paper.
And it confirmed what I wrote earlier in this thread. With 36" and larger curves 2" centers work fine.
Sheldon