What is the closest I can get tracks together without risking collisions using traditional O and 027 engines and rolling stock? How much more space should I give at turns than straightaways?
You really need to test this with what you are running, and give another 1/2".
Kurt
Especially around the curves with the largest stock. (I’d also run a test engine with a passenger car attached and test run another train running along side at the same time.) I run O27 and have 3"-4" between the tracks.
In some areas, my tracks - mostly on some curves before an immovable wall - are too close (within 2 inches of the ties) and I have to pay attention to ensure only a single train runs through this area at a time.
I think Lionel recommends spacing at 4 & half inches on curves from center rail to center rail, but watch your spacing when dealing with diesel engines(GP-9’s & SD-45’s), the front hand rails, and long passenger cars.
Lee F.
On my small layout which has all 027 curves, I try to space the track as close as possible with all the 027 engines and cars that I run. 3" from center rail to center rail on straights works but you must increase this to 3 1/2" as the track approaches within 6" of the first curve. In the 027 curves, 4 1/4" center to center , measured between the first curved section works for me. If you are using 027 and 042 curves you might get away with 4" on curves. On diesels with square front and rear, the 4 corner handrails will overhang the outside of the curve the most. Your longest car, such as passenger cars, the overhang will be to the inside of the curve.
I would think the geometry of the available track and switches (turn outs to you HO’ers) would determine the spacing for the most part. There is a great book by our host publisher “Freight yards.”
If they are too close together they won’t look right.
Pictures when you’re done, thanks.
I’ve got Atlas track on 036, 045 & 054 concentric loops, which gives you 4 1/2" center to center and have never had a problem. I run 18" passenger cars and the longest steamers are a Reading T-1 4-8-4 and a CNJ P-47 Pacific. Oh and a PRR Mountain. Never had any interferance although some get mighty close. I don’t run the biggest stuff on the 036 loop.
My spacing ranges from 3 to 4.5 inches center to center between straights and 4 to 5.5 between curves. This is not set in stone…just laying track out and seeing what works.
The curves are 0-54 and 0-72 except on sidings and yards.
My biggest engines are a 726 berk, mpc santa fe GP-38 and 2353 santa fe f3s.
I am going to start posting pictures and progress of my layout in another thread within the next few days.
Thanks!
Not sure how it will work out but if I can I’m going to have O-32 and O-27 side by side and hope for the best . now this will be on a 2 level shelf layout the O-32 in the back and up about 3" that should put the highest car about 1/4" from the ceiling lol. hope I have enough room to get them on the track.
Sounds like it should work. I like the idea of raising the rear track so that both trains can be seen. I would have done the same, bt my shelf is only 35 inches high. Good luck.