My cousin is building an N scale layout, and needs to know the minimum height over the track for bridges, etc? Thanks, Dan
a good starting point:
I tried that before posting here, didn’t find what I was looking for. I model HO and have an NMRA guage, but just need the minimum recommended height in N. Dan
Most N-scale tunnel portals run from 2 3/4" to 3" clearance, so I’d think that would be a good minimum height to use for a bridge passing over rail.
Dan,
The ‘top of rail to bottom of obstruction’ clearance is 1 21/32" for N scale. Here is the direct link to the NMRA Clearance Standards web page:
http://www.nmra.org/standards/s-7.html
Jim Bernier
If you have oversized equipment such as auto racks or intermodal, I’d say do a good check on all clearances before installing anything. Side clearance is just as important in this case.
Bruce, you may be an inch too high. In any event, your LHS should have both the NMRA standards gague & the newer Ntrak Modern Clearance Guide. AFAIK 2" should work fine & will be needed for superliners, doublestacks, Autocarriers & other large cars. However, that extra inch inside a short tunnel may allow you to reach there & get out a derailed freight car.
Taking a second look - you are correct. The overall measurement is of the portal height, so the extra inch is likely the top of the portal facade. 2" sounds reasonable, but I don’t run modern equipment with extra height (like doublestacks, etc.). Not sure how they will behave with that clearance.
Just what I’m lookin for, gents. I will forward this info to my Cuz. Thanks, Dan
I used 2" on my last layout with no problems, but I didn’t run any hi-cube or autorack equipment.