How High to make the next track (crossovers) level?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

OK, I have had my two cups of coffee, and ready to get to work (it’s realy play) again. I am going with HO scale in a 20’ x 20’ room.
I have built the benchwork and phase #1 and phase #2 (there will be phase #3), The first layer of ridged foam on is completed on phase #1, I am starting on the next layer of track , it may or may not connect to the first layer (not sure yet).
My Question is there a standard height minium between layers of track ? I see some nice bridges on ebay that are like 4" and up. I am just wondering what you guys have set your crossovers and tunnel hights at.
The coffee is kicking in and I want to have some fun.
By the way this topic poster could use a spell checker ! Some people (like me) could realy use it.
Thanks again you guys (and gals) for your great replys.
The tip on using caulk (I had to run [ that coffee is realy kicking in now ] up stairs to train room to make sure of the correct spelling on the bottle, sure could use that spell checker!) to glue down the roadbed and track. It worked out great!

Thanks again, ennout

2

There is no real standard hight for tunnels and crossovers. 4" gives you a good clearance but you should always check it with your tallest car or locomotive that you are plannign on running. Remember ot lay track and roadbed down before measuring cause that will be there when you are done. And if you like Coffee you may want to check out this squirrel after he has had too much coffee.

http://www.illwillpress.com/vault.html and check out the toon called “So I Said to My Doctor.”
the other ones are pretty good there too.

good luckwith the track laying

3

Man oh man, I did not think that I could laugh so hard. what great link. thanks SMassey

4

It’s very simple. Decide if you want the option to run high level equipment (i.e. Amtrak Superlines, Hi-Cube boxcars etc.). Then measure the height of the tallest equipment you want to run. Then you need to measure from the TOP of the lower rail to the bottom of the bridge. I usually add 1/8" of clearance just to be safe.