Hello, I’m looking to find out the height of a “typical” N-scale stacker car (if I’m using the wrong word, they’re: the specialized flatcars that have shipping containers stacked two-deep)) for tunnel clearance purposes (I’m in the early stages of building my layout.) I’m modeling a steam/transition-era layout (C&O, mid-1950s, New River Division), but at some point down the road, I conceivably might, ummm, “compromise my principles” and run some more modern equipment, and I really don’t want to embark on a “tunnel rebuilding program” (or worse, make any graders steeper), if I can build smart now. I’ve looked at some MFR websites, but haven’t run across the desired info, yet. Height from the railhead or flange is fine, I can add rail height, ties, and roadbed to that myself. Many thanks.
I measure my Walther's articulateds at 41.5 mm above railhead, looks to be the same as my NMRA clearance gauge. However, the real test for tunnels are my long high cube box cars and autoracks. They present width issues, especially problematic if a tunnel entrance is on a curve.
The modern rolling stock that carries containers are called "well cars." Trains that have stacked containers are called "doublestacks" or "stack trains." The prototype doublestacks are 20' 2" above the rails and tunnel/bridge clearance is 21' 2" high (allowing an extra foot of clearance). Allow 2" above the railhead and you'll be good.
If you really like scale modelling (in N), then 1.5875" is 21' 2" in N scale. Just hope the well car model, and container models, are true N scale or smaller!
There's also container height to consider. stacking two standard-height containers will be much lower than stacking two high-cubes. Also, not all N scale well cars are created equal as far as how low the well floor is in relation to the railhead.
I just measured some JTC well cars on my layout loaded with some of their hi cube 53' containers, and they come in at just under 1 5/8". The ScaleTrains autoracks are shorter. I'd probably go with a 1.75" clearance just to be sure.
When NS worked its Heartland Corridor project to raise clearances on the N&W main through WV (in 2007-2010), they honed out and squared existing bores and portals to provide needed clearance. As an example, this is Hemphill No. 2 Tunnel (not my photo). With its loss of coal tonnage, the work has given the N&W main new vitality. From a railfanning standpoint though, it sure scars a classic right of way. Since shooting the below slide taken 10/16/1993 at Welch, WV, I've not been able to spend much time on this line. I hope to return someday.
Funny, an almost LOL. I thought you were asking the height of slackers. About six foot tall was going to be my answer. Only because that describes me as of the last year. Slacker, for sure. Double Stacks. I actually have some of those and am doing a transition era as well. I decided I needed some of those as the early version of such was running around on the local scene SP, and ATSF. Seems to me as early as the late 70's. Auto Racks will make it through the same clearances and look sweet doing it. On my layout, the old/antiquated layout. I used just under two inches for preferred clearances. Similar to Traindork and Metro Guy.. Yes, N scale. That is from the top of the sub-roadbed to the ceiling. They run through the supports for the upper helix-i's just fine. When I run earlier equipment such as my 40 ft.. ice bunker reefers the double stacks and auto racks, almost look out of place but cool. Nice tunnel shots as seen above. I hope that helps.
Just a data point, but Kato 3 unit well cars with double stacked 53' HC containers, riding on Kato Unitrack single track will pass under a Kato Viaduct track on Kato 2" piers, with both the single track and the piers resting on the same surface. Looks like < 1/8" clearance under the viaduct to the top of the container below. The bottoms of viaducts and deck-girder bridges rest even with the bumps on the tops of the piers. Through truss and plate girder bridges have more clearance underneath.
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