Track Separation

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

On a dual mainline, what should the minimum track separation be from the center of one track to the center of other track? especially with some 18 inch radius curves ? Thnking of passing trains!

Thanks, DON

2

It depends on the scale and type or class of equipment you will be running.
Look up the NMRA Track Centers Standards for the class of the equipment you will be running.

3

Thanks Gsetter! I should have provided some more info. First its a small layout and its HO. So I am trying to keep the 2 tracks as close as possible.

Thanks, DON

4

2 3/16" between centers for Class 1 equipment.
Class I
Includes longer steam locomotives typically with two-wheel trailing trucks, larger four and six-wheel truck diesels and equivalent rolling stock.

5

I just made a web page on this very subject with a spreadsheet and linked to an Excel spreadsheet to calculate curve spacing based upon the longest car and largest locomotive. Otherwise the NMRA has some tables you can reference.
http://www.peremarquette.net/design-tools.html
http://www.nmra.org/standards/s-8.html

6

Answer 2.25 " PLUS - Depending on the overhang of your particlar cars.

Simplistic answer: Try 2.75" The longer the cars, the more overhang. Your cars are straight, your curves are not.

7

Don’t forget to leave room for your fingers to get in there in case of derailments, rerailing, maintenance, etc… I followed recommended practice on my N Scale layout, but wish I kept a little more room between tracks. Even though the trains scaled down, my fingers didn’t!

8

I did mine as follows: 2" separation on straight track and 21/2" separation on curves from center of track to center of track…Chuck

9

Thanks for the comments!

DON