Based on experience, what have you found is a good spacing of track in a yard or staging area?
The prototype used anywhere from 12’ to 15’(the current minimum is 15’). In HO, a 2" center works out to a scale 14’ 6". This is what I use in my yard. And I do not use magnetic uncoupling ramps, just a small screwdriver blade or an Accurail ‘tool’. Some folks have problems with tracks that close and increase the distance between yard tracks to make up for their 1:1 fingers. Our club settled on 2.5" track centers. Our double track mainline is also on 2.5" centers and the curves have 3" centers.
Jim
At the staging yard there’re less than 2’’ like you see.
My visible class yard has 12’ (=46 mm).
Wolfgang
Another way to look at it: what is the track spacing using #4, #5, or #6 turnouts if you come straight off the diverging rote with parallel tracks? #4s will be closer together than #6s.
I’m trying to decide on what turnout size to use based on the total LENGTH of the yard ladder (turnout length) and the WIDTH (track spacing). I want to use a straight ladder instead of a compound arrangement where each turnout leads to more turnouts before stub yard tracks.
Terry
If you build a ladder in Right Track by connecting turnouts (in on one to straight out on other), the parallel spacing is roughly the same with either #4 or #6 Customline Turnouts. Adding spacers between the straight section of the turnouts increases the parallel spacing about the same with either #4 or #6 turnouts.
Alan
If you build a 5 track ladder with 2" parallel tracks (using RightTrack) using #4 Customline the resulting ladder is 80 inches long; the longest straight section is 72in and the shortest is 36in.
Using #6 Customline, the result is the same length, but the longest straight section is less than 70in and the shortest straight section is 23in (the result of RightTrack putting in a min radius 39in curve to connect the last straight section).
While with #4 turnouts each leg is 9 inches shorter than the previous one, with #6 turnouts each leg is shorter by 12 inches. The #6 turnouts yield a yard with less capacity given the same overall physical length.
My mistake. I thought the frog angle affected parallel spacing.
Hi!
For yard tracks, I like to go with what fits the “ladder” arrangement of turnouts that fits naturally. This seems to be about 2 inch spacing, perhaps 2 1/2 inch.
For hidden trackage/staging areas, I use “what makes sense”, depending on the need and space available - but certainly not less than 2 inches. One thing to consider, especially for out of the way trackage, is assurances that the ol 0-5-0 switcher can access cars without too much difficulty.
What I recommend you do, is do a test mounting of tangent track at various spacing. Nothing fancy, just a hand full of sections laid out on a flat surface. Add some cars and see what looks right to YOU, and what spacing allows you to handle the cars if necessary.
FWIW,
Mobilman44
How do you handle derailments in your staging yard? It seems awfully cramped in there !?!?
John
I asked this question to one of the senior members of a big club near by and he told me as a general rule of thumb any yard that is visible they set track on 2" centers any hidden staging yard is measured by the 0-5-0 method. If you can put a finger in between two cars thats good enough.
Tried 2" spacing earlier this afternoon, really tight between cars for handling (I have relatively big hands). 2 inches between ties seems much more useful for handling cars, but will try other spacing. (The only way to find out).
Alan
A/D track(s) first one 20’ from main, if more than one A/D track then16’ centers to allow carmen to make and inspect trains, do minor repairs (brake shoes, air hoses, etc. ) then 16’ to 20’ to yard tracks which are normally 13’-14’ centers. This will give you a realistic appearing yard. Also note that A/D tracks are typically 6: or so lower than the main, and yard tracks another 6" or so lower but they are mostly all on same level as the yard is usually all ballast for good drainage.John
John
I think the prototypical spacing your referenced falls in rather nicely with the 2" tie to tie spacing I came up with by testing spacing.
I have subsequently modified the yards and staging on my draft track plan.
Alan