So I want to do a double main line and I could use some help... what is the typical spacing between the two tracks? and how about corners if I use 1 size for the inside what size do I use for the outside track to maintain the track spacing. I am using atlas track & Flex any help will be greatly appreciated Thanks¤ Jack B
NTrak standard is 1.5 inches. That clears all types of engines and rolling stock on their wide radius curves. Prototype is probably closer. Check your curves and rolling stock - engines to be sure there will be no clearance issues on your radius curves. Also, don't forget drainage and prototype roadbed cross section. Make it wider or more narrow as necessary to adapt it to your layout.
It also depends upon the era and prototype you are modeling. Typically, prototype track center spacing has been in the range of 13’-15’ – about 1” to 1-1/8” in N. Recent safety regulations require that track(s) must be shutdown when maintenance is being performed on an adjacent track. A track is deemed adjacent if the track center spacing is less than 19’-25’, depending upon the speed of trains. Therefore, on some newly built lines – in the Powder River basin area, for example – you’ll see that the track center spacing meets the new requirements, so that work on one track doesn’t impede travel on others that are adjacent. The newer spacing works out to be about 1-7/16” to 1-7/8” in N.
Jack, as was already noted, depends on many factors. Another consideration is that on a model, the wider the spacing, the shorter your mainline will look, and thats just the opposite of what we are trying to accomplish. My preference is to use minimal spacing; 1 1/8" is plenty.Regards and good luck, Otto
1 1/8 inches is about 15 scale feet. That may work on prototype railroads whose curves are in excess of 700 feet. That is 52.5 inches in N scale. Not too many people can have that size curvature. N scale sectional track curves are 9 3/4 and 11 1/2 inches. That is a center to center distance of 1 3/4 inches or 23' 4". Ntrak standard calls for 1 1/2 inches (20 scale feet) with curves of a minimum of 24 inches on mainlines and 18 on branch lines. These will allegedly accomodate long cars such as passenger or auto racks.
1 1/4" is the right choice since you're using Atlas track. The code 55 turnouts (and maybe others) yield a 1 1/4" spacing if you use them for crossovers between two tracks. If you go less, you'll have problems with crossovers. More, and it will look less prototypical and you'll be wasting space. The only reason you might need more space is if you use tight radius curves (maybe less than 13", but you'll need to also consider the length of your longest equipment).
You make some very good points, just want to point out that N scale sectional track curves have 9.75" and 11" radius values.
If you have a specific prototype you could look up what they use. There are many genral ideas and recomendend practices you could go by, but consider what looks and operates good to you. That's what counts most, but once you decide stick to it. Using the same rules throught the layout will help make it more convincing. The Atlas bridges are centered at 1.25" centers so that and the turnouts could be a good base for your decision. It looks good too. My freemoN club settled on 1.125, but for the curves we bump out a little to provide extra clearance. I also had to bump out my double track leading into the Atlas bridges, but at a hieght of 50" most people do not even notice.
I experimented with track spacing on my first prototype layout. I used 0.9" in the yard, 1.0" on the main line, and 1 3/16" on curves. These dimension work well for my era; late 50's, steam/diesel transition. Most of my rolling stock is 40-50', with occasional longer cars. The only change I am making on my new layout is to increase the yard spacing to 1.0".
Correct. For some reason I had 11 1/2 in my brain. I advocate using very broad curves where track spacing to accomodate equipment overhangs are not a problem. Its been a long time since I used sectional track pieces.
Each of us makes compromises when building a model railroad. My only suggestion is to lay out one track and then run the longest cars you will ever run and see if the minimums suggested here will suffice. If you have an 80' Pullman and a very long steam engine on adjoining tracks on a curve and they hit, the spacing is too narrow. Err on the side of caution before you start permanently laying down the second track. It is better to test you equipment rather than have a rip up of sections of track as a result of impatience. I have been there and done that on
Also, a suggested compromise is using 1 1/2" centers if you have fat fingers or if the double track area is a long reach away. Your sanity while keeping a low frustration level is probably more important than proto accuracy. Just sayin'.
