N scale Question

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Starting my first N scale layout, what is the general rule for spaceing on parellel tracks?

thanks

2

3/4" between the ties (not center to center) would be the minimum on straight runs. The amount of overhang of your rolling stock (both inside the curve and outside the curve) would determine how close you can go on curves.

3

I use 1 1/4" on center on tangent and 1 1/2 on curves. This comes out to about a scale 16’ on tangent and 18’ on curves. This is slightly wide for the prototype, but with tighter curves on the model, plus needed finger room, it is a good compromise–looks good and is quite functional. NOTE: the radius of your curves and length of equiment will make a difference on curve spacing. I pull some long equipment and use 18" radius minimum. If you use tighter radium with long equipment you will need more space. If you run only 60’ or shorter rolling stock and 4 axle locos you can get by with a little tighter spacing.

Ron

4

I usually go with what Ron is tellin’ ya there.

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

5

Thanks

6

Good advice for track spacing, however 1-1/2" = 20 scale feet (1.5 x 160/12 = 20)

1-1/4" = 16.667 scale feet

7

Here we go again!!!

The prototype used to lay their yard and tangent track on 13’ centers; 15’ on curved trackage. Car width then and now is approximately 10’ leaving 3’ and 5’ between cars on adjacent tracks. Three feet in N Scale is .225 inches; 5’ in N Scale is .375 inches. If you want to reach the height of frustration try getting your .75 inch fingers between cars sometimes and watch how things go assoverteakettle right pronto.

Try this measurement: .75" = width of car; .75" = thickness of fingers; .75" + .75" = 1.5" ----- and that’s twenty feet. That track separation may be just a little excessive but it sure cuts down on the stress when you need to rerail cars - and despite all the meticulous care I give to my track laying I still come up with an occasional derailment!!!