My new layout calls for a dual track mainline,and I was planning on using HO cork roadbed, but the two lines seem really close together on the test module, and I can't imagine what it would be like on a curve. What is the minimum distance that the lines should be separated by?? Thanks, and Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
With 18 inch track radius, I'm using 30 mm track spacing with success, even with 89' rolling stock. But it all depends what is your minimum track radius. Jean-Louis Simonet (simonet@club-internet.fr) traiN'ternet: http://www.trainternet.org/
I'm doing 1 1/4" on center spacing for my double track with 22" minimum radius curves. This seems to allow for adequate spacing between the longer rolling stock. Smaller radius curves would probably require a little more spacing. Russ
I prefer to use 1 1/4" for my yards and and 1 1/2" for my sidings. I find that the extra 1/4" dosen't take up that much more space. Happy Modeling, Cheers, Terry
One fundamental problem with using one strip of cork for the mainline is it will not be prototypical. Mainline track has a cess between tracks for drainage. Ideally you should use single strips of cork for each track to enable a cess (dish) drain between both lines. but in the end what ever you are happy with. In a yard you can use one piece of cork as the yard tracks are at the same level ------------------ Regards Paul Cassar-Moderator & Member number 50 SPAD Investigator #1 ICQ 61198217 http://users.bigpond.net.au/railroad2000
Thanks for the advice. I think that to solve the mainline problem I can actually space the cork strip pieces a bit apart from each other. This will get the track further apart, and create the interior ditch that is prototypical. Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
Have you considered cutting the HO cork in two as N scale cork is half the size of Ho, just a thought. ------------------ Regards Paul Cassar-Moderator & Member number 50 SPAD Investigator #1 ICQ 61198217 http://users.bigpond.net.au/railroad2000
Being unaware of the correct distance between tracks, on curves, I lay the track temporarily, and run cars/locomotives with the greatest overhang on each track to assess distance needed to prevent fouling each other at any point on the curve. When happy with the spacing, the track is permanently fixed down. ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.alancurtismodels.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery
Thanks Alan!! That is exactly the kind of thinking I am applying!! Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Colonel: Have you considered cutting the HO cork in two as N scale cork is half the size of Ho, just a thought. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> That is exactly what the plan is . Since the HO cork has a split down the middle, I separated it and can space the two strips as far apart as necessary. I have regular N scale road bed for the single track branches and sidings. This works out well because the N roadbed is slightly lower than the HO cork, which is more prototypical, with sidings and branches lower than the dual track mainline. Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!