I cannot seem to find any info on how far the prototypes locate signal masts from the track.
Can anybody help?
doublehelix - Welcome to trains.com! [C):-)]
I don’t know the exact answer to your question. However, I found a CSX clearance diagram that shows a minimum of 8’ 6" from center of track to the outer diameter of the mast target. See the diagram on page 17 of: http://www.csx.com/share/wwwcsx_mura/assets/File/Customers/Services_and_Partners/CSX_Industrial_Sidetrack_Manual_063003.pdf
Note that you will probably need farther-than-prototype distances around curves on the model to allow for body swing.
The NMRA clearances page is a good start for the model. You’ll see that some more modern equipment (larger) requires broader clearance.
The UP requires 9’0" of clearance to the signal target.
Look under Track design :
http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/operations/specs/track/index.shtml