Track distances on the prototype and on your layout

[Ngineer]

I've got a question regarding prototypical track laying and how to model it in N-Scale:

A) What was the distance between tracks on the 4 electrified PRR tracks, the so called "Broad Way"? Did they keep that distance on 2 electrified tracks (e.g. as before entering Harrisburg from the east)?

B) What was the distance between tracks on the 3 tracks of the CB&Q "racetrack"? Did they keep the distance through the whole length, or were station (depot) tracks closer to each other?

Atlas Code-55 has a standard distance of 31.75 mm = 1.25 inch.

Javier

[jpwisc]

...
Atlas Code-55 has a standard distance of 31.75 mm = 1.25 inch.
...

I'm confused, What do you mean by this? I use Atlas Code 55 and have a spacing that matches my prototype at 1.15".

I'm just looking for clarification, that's all. Sorry I can't help you on you PRR question.

[nkalanaga]

I measured the Northeast Corridor at Tullytown, PA on Google Maps, and the track spacing was 12 feet.  That's a bit over 7/8 inch in N scale, and probably tighter than most modelers would want to use.  Specifically, on my computer, 20 feet was 5/8 inch, and the distance from the left rail on the left track, to the left rail on the right track, three track spaces wide, was 1 1/8 inch, or 36 feet.  Divide by three and one track space, left rail to left rail, is 12 feet.

I didn't measure anywhere else, so that may not be standard, and I can't guarantee that Google's length scale is right, but there was a passenger train in the picture, and the tracks are VERY close together compared to the width of the train.

[railnerd]

Free-moN chose 1-1/8" (1.125") after a discussion a few years back.

Yep the "crossover" spacing for the #7 turnouts yields a 1.25" spacing, but you can trim the diverging rails back and achieve closer spacing.

-Dave

[chicken45]

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/110698915/TKM%20No.%2075%20Autumn%202010.pdf

Download that file and there is some info on track.

[glakedylan]

jpwisc

the confusion is kind of like apples and oranges
atlas sectional track and turnouts provide a 1.25" center to center distance
while using flex track one can make that distance whatever they choose it to be
respectfully

[glakedylan]

josh

great link...have not had a chance to visit it as often as I would like to research
but that particular issue is super in information
thanks for sharing it

[glakedylan]

coming at it from a modelling perspective

what distance will be good for the longest locomotives and rolling stock you are going to be running
along with what room you will need for finger space between parallel trains to deal with derails and the such
I find the 1.25 to be the best as long as the curves are 15" radius or broader (my curves are 20" minimum
and with long passenger cars it looks too tight to the eye from bird's eye view).

best wishes

[Jeff AKA St0rm]

I use 1.25" it gives good spacing for yards so you can get your fingers in there to uncouple cars without knocking others over. On a smaller layout i might go smaller on the straight to fit more tracks in but would stay with 1.25 for curves. N-Track standard is 1.5" or 20' but i find that to wide.

Jeff

[randgust]

This is one of those cases where it really helps to use Google Earth, because the tools function includes a ruler in feet.   

You can measure any track centers you want, as most of them haven't changed all that much.   You'll find that 'heritage' lines, including NYC and PRR, had very close track spacing - 12', 12' 6", etc. and that newly-built rail lines tend to be 15 feet if not more, and new construction is always on the wide side to allow for employee safety and maintenance of way.

Yards in particular are a lot tighter than mains, again, if you don't believe me, go to your favorite yard and scale it yourself.    Just use Google Earth please, don't go hangin' round main lines with a tape measure unless you want to be arrested for trespassing, or worse, get run over.

I settled on 1 1/8 for my mains, widens out a big on the curves as it should, and cut switches mercilessly to accomplish it.

[Cajonpassfan]

Another consideration, and this is admittedly very subjective, is the the overall artistic impression. By necessity, we tend to compress distances and volumes (like hills, large buildings, etc.). Where practical, I like to keep track spacing tight. In my opinion, wide track spacing makes our railroads and yards look even shorter than they are. Your impressions may vary...
Otto K.

[nkalanaga]

I used one inch on my layout, but most of it is single track, so passing on curves isn't an issue.  The curved station tracks in one town are a little further apart, and two passenger trains pass fine, even though the inner track did get squeezed down to just over a 16 inch radius.  ME #6 turnouts are easy to trim.

[jpwisc]

jpwisc

the confusion is kind of like apples and oranges
atlas sectional track and turnouts provide a 1.25" center to center distance
while using flex track one can make that distance whatever they choose it to be
respectfully

Thanks Gary, I forget people use the sectional track as it is. I even trim my turnouts to make things match reality.