How Close can Track be?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I have a few questions:
First, how close can tracks be on straigt aways and curves so they dont hit. I’m going to make curves of 18 and 22 degree radius. Also are #6 turns outs good for a freight and passanger yard? If not which ones can be used?

Thanks

Schom

2

Schom,
The following is agood starting point for your first question:
http://www.nmra.org/standards/s-8.html
From your radius you’re running either HO or N scale, so scroll down. But, you should do a trial setup to check the recommended separation against the longest passenger/freight cars and locomotives you plan to run. And, yes, #6s are probably adequate, again with the foregoing caveat. If your budget allows, you may want to purchase some of the Kalmbach soft bound books at you LHS or borrow them from your local public library.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

3

Assuming HO scale, a lot of people space tracks two inches apart. Most commercial turnouts when used in a yard latter or in a cross over will result in a 2 inch spacing. However, most double track mainline tracks were spaced in the 13 foot range, which is about 1 13/16 inches in HO scale. With 18 and 22 inch radius curves, the track spacing in the curves will need to be much greater. See the link Bob posted.

4

Since the curves you’re using are standard HO, curves I assume that’s what we’re talking. On straight track, you need 2 inches center to center, a little more on curves depending on how long you engines and cars will be. I think it’s also important not to get things TOO far apart, that doesn’t look like a real railraod anymore.

I like #4 turnouts for yards. They give you 2" spacing, and nice operation in and out of the spurs. I don’t htink you need #6 since speeds tend to be low in the yard.

I’m fairly new at this, so it’s all just based on what I’ve had good luck with.

5

18" curves are sharp for recent passenger cars, and some of them might not run on them without reworking of the couplers or underbody. 18" curves will also have a large amount of overhang, so you’ ll need to measure that and adjust to the required amount. #4 switches could be used in the yard, but if you want to get more prototypical looking and have smoother operation, I would go to a #6 turnout.

6

Do not overlook the DREADED “S” curve when making transitions with #4. The “S” problem is less with #6 and gone with #8. This is the most common problem when building a railroad is forgetting about the “S” factor.
My $.02
George P.

7

My friend and i just got done laying my yard . The yard tracks are about 2 1/4 apart and is kinda tight but not that bad. my radius starts at 22 and gets bigger i also used mostley #6 turnouts and thay are a big space hog. they are somthing like 12" long so space gets eaten up fast.