EZ clearance

[siemer]

Will two Bachmann On30 trains pass clearly if I use the large remote crossover turnouts (#44576)?  I measured clearance for my 2-6-0 but may get larger locos in the future.

[Jim Banner]

I don't have a #6 E-Z Track crossover to measure, but I suspect it has the straights spaced 2-1/8" center-to-center.  This is good for H0 as it give 15-1/2 scale feet track centers, which is more than real world minimum on straight track and enough for most H0-scale curves.  But in 0-scale, this is only 8-1/2 feet which too close for comfort.  A better alternative is to use a pair of #6 right hand turnouts with a bit of straight track in between.  Or even #5 right hand turnouts if the over all length of the crossover is a problem with #6s.  The minimum radius through a #5 turnout is about 26" and even that is over a short length.

For what it is worth, I have decided to use 3" center-to-center on my own layout.  Others may be using different standards and hopefully will post them here. 

[Hunt]

HO Bachmann E-Z Track #6 Remote Crossover -- straights spaced 2-3/8"  center line to center line.

[Jim Banner]

Thanks, Hunt.  That would make it 9-1/2 feet in 0-scale, which should give you a miss on straights but not on curves.  May be a little rough for a brakeman on the side of a car or an engineer with his head out the cab window.

[Hunt]

Useful minimum Clearance  information in
http://www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/s-7.html
http://www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/s-8.html
http://www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/gauge.html

Caveat  – be sure you understand what the numbers represent before you use them. You need to read and compare the information in all three links.

[siemer]

Thanks to all of you.  Next (stupid) question -- will the Bachmann On30 Forney, Shay and/or Climax locomotives negotiate an 18" curve or is a 22" (or greater) required.

[lvrr325]

I've been running the Forney on my HO layout (which never got past one working loop of track).  They need a tad more curve clearance, but run around 18" curves okay.  I do have one tight spot where the rear will come uncoupled, or if I go fast it wobbles the first car a bit. 

As for clearance, the HO was intended to be a double-track main line and has some side-by-side track with one inch or so added between #6 switches.  The On30 cars clear but just barely, and the Forney in particular hits stuff on the curves.