parallel track center-to-center question

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

The smallest radius on my N-scale layout is 12" (inner loop). The outer loop is 13 1/4", which means 1 1/4" center to center.

From what I’ve read, this should be sufficient spacing, but I’ve never done this before. Could somebody please confirm?

Thanks!

2

It should be closer to 1 1/2 inches than 1 1/4 (or about 1 6/16). Of course that depends on what you have for rolling stock. Best advices it to set up the parallel curves and try different rolling stock to check the clearances by hand.

3

Here is the NMRA’s standard for track centers http://www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/s-8.html

Enjoy

Paul

4

I agree with the previous posters, but do suggest that you experiment with different spacing and test, test, test. While this is extremely important for curved trackage, don’'t for get tangent (straight) trackage as well. Cramming as many tracks in a space as possible - such as in a yard or staging area - will allow more cars/trains, but, don’t forget that your two 0-5-0 “switchers” may have to get in there occasionally.

Mobilman44