What would the scale distance from the tracks for N scale telephones.Trying to figure this in,my benchwork is only going to be 6-10 inches wide on my 2nd and 3rd levels.Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Blane
I don't know if different areas had different standards, but I have seen poles that were fairly close to the tracks if the route would have taken them over rocky/hilly terrain. I would say they were far enough away that a minor derailment wouldn't immediately knock out the lines. How else could you call for help before cell phones? :tb-biggrin: On a 6"-10" bench you don't have much leeway, but I'm sure someone will have a prototypical measurement for you shortly.
Very often in our minature worlds we not have the space to model everything according to prototype. Try out different positions and see what "looks" best. The distance from track, or between other poles may need to selectively compressed just as our factories, buildings and streets are.
Also remember... Along with 'selective compression'...if you set up some poles to close to the track...and 'wire' them...and there is problems on the rails...YOU have to reach over/under the wires to fix it...:tb-wink: Just a thought.:tb-cool: .
I have to agree with the practical approach here. I encourage you to go first with access and 2nd with appearance and 3rd with prototype.
Poles are set at 29' from the rail center. Station signs are at 25', and the rest of the signs are at 15' (such as whistle boards, yard signs, etc). Mountainous terrain or other considerations may increase the distance for the pole line, but never less than this. Mainly, they wanted to keep the wires away from the track in case a live wire was knocked down. 29' = 2.175" in N Scale
Pole lines are positioned against the property line, with the out edge of the crossarms right on the line. If your right-of-way is 40 feet wide, the poles would be about 16-17 feet from the center of the track.
