Mind the gap!

[nicebutdim]

Hi all. I'm in the process of rebuilding my station area with a much stronger base than before (paving slabs replacing warped decking timber). Now I'm not limited to how close the platform edge can be to the track, so my question is what is the safe distance the platform can be from the side of the track? One of my platforms is going to be of the island variety, so the measurement will be quite critical as I will not have the option of moving it a bit further away later. I was thinking if anyone could give a measurement from something like the rail to the platform or track centre to the platform. I have quite a varied list of stock, the two that concern me are the Frank S and a GP9. I know that it would be easy to just measure myself, but I'm concerned if I buy something in the future that turns out wider than what I already have. So a plea of help to anyone who can help.
Many thanks,
Tim

 

[railwayman198]

I have a raised island platform and mine measures 45mm from rail to platform edge. opening out a little where it curves. That is sufficient for all my stock but I believe certain things like Bachmann K27 or Accucraft IoM coaches are particularly wide and would need greater clearance. If you can it is good to taper the ramps away from the rail as that is where hanging footboards will strike. Or take the easy way out and put in low level platforms

 

[Tony]

SO many different things to concider ive just done mine and the Bachmann 1/20 locos shay etc need 2" either side of each rail so i use a 2x1 battern laying aside the rail. ive also had problems with curves on one station my coaches have a side step the played havoke with and overhang of canopy, but 2inch seems to work

Batten on track

middle line is a bit tight but ok

its quite aceptable for Aristo locos and Bachmann box cars as well

Tony

 

[Gizzy]

Take your widest and longest vehicle.

Tape a pencil to the corner of the widest one (for straight track)and another pencil in the middle of the longest one (for curves), making sure the pencil (or other marker) can draw on the slabs.

The outer of the 2 lines is your clearance....

 

[nicebutdim]

Cool, thanks guys. Some great pictures there too. I did think of measuring the clearances myself like you say Gizzy, my only concern was if I obtained an item of stock longer or wider than my current line-up it wouldn't be able to pass through the station.
Thanks again,
Tim