The 6'

[KeithT]

I should know this but I can't find a reference for it.
A friend is just building his first garden layout and has asked what clearance he needs between tracks.
He is intending running Mallets and similar. I can't quote mine because I used flexi, it varies and I run bigger than the Mallet.
Advice please . . :thinking:

 

[MRail]

 

[Neil Robinson]

I should know this but I can't find a reference for it.
A friend is just building his first garden layout and has asked what clearance he needs between tracks.
He is intending running Mallets and similar. I can't quote mine because I used flexi, it varies and I run bigger than the Mallet.
Advice please . . :thinking:

As a rough guide the six foot prototype is about six inches (150mm) in our models.

LGB R1 is about 2ft radius and R2 2ft 6" radius giving the 6" spacing.

However if you insist on K27s or larger passing each other on R1 curves you'll have problems!

 

[KeithT]

Thanks Neil - again.
I will pass on the advice.
The only way I will get a K27 on an R1 would be to bend it in the middle - the K27 that is.....

 

[shropshire lad]

Doesn't that make it 3 inches bigger all round? My track centres are only just over 6 inches

 

[Neil Robinson]

To clarify a 6" spacing of track centres gives a 4" gap between adjacent rails.

This can prove a bit tight on curves with models with large overhangs.

 

[bobg]

Which is why I went with 7". More clearance without looking silly.

 

[Gizzy]

If you use R3 points the minimum track centre spacing is 185 mm (just over 7 inches in old money). This can be confirmed by using 2 R3 points in a crossover configuration.

If you want a larger clearance with points, simply add a short straight between the diverging roads....

 

[korm kormsen]

short locos and cars (LGB) - i use an absolute minimum of 16cm (5.4 inch) from middle track to middle track.
(the widest 4 wheeled car i own, the postvan, is 13cm wide)