My layout is turning into an odd looking double track figure 8 thingy. The idea of the train leaving one station, only to pull into the next one isn't good.... even if I had the train stand still in the hidden section. So, figure 8 to the rescue... kind of. So, how high up does the crossing track need to be if I run 1940's British steam? And how steep can the climb be? I'm getting the hang of XTrackCad so I know how to check and insert both things... I just need the numbers to work with. If it can't be done in the space I have, I'll need to modify once again. Designing the layout is fun, but hard as well... too many ideas, too little space.
So, I use an Nn3 tunnel clearance gauge, but on the NMRA site there are free dimensions you can download:
Take a look at the NEM as well, if you like (NEM = norms for European modelrailroads): https://www.morop.eu/images/NEM_register/NEM_D/nem102_de_2019.pdf for clearance on straight track; https://www.morop.eu/downloads/nem/de/nem103_d.pdf for clearance in curves; https://www.morop.eu/index.php/de/nem-normen.html for an overview of norm sheets and other documentation. Btw all in German language, seems they are working on english versions but that was announced in 2019.. But the picture and table are easily figured out. Some notions to consider: - prototypical British clearance is narrower than European, which in itself is narrower than US clearance standards; - but do check the clearance of your models, e.g. early and even later Marklin models are sometimes higher or wider than prototypical - and any British model will probably be based on existing (Marklin?) chassis... (I am really curious about your ventures into British 1940s z scaling, there are no relevant models in the market as far as I know..?) - it is generally advised to avoid strong grades, so to create overhead room in covered areas you will need more track length than you might expect - remember your hands do not scale down. Covered areas where you will need to be able to reach for cleaning or picking up a crashed train, require just as much space / clearance as they do in h0 scale. So the track length to reach acceptable heigth for example for a under table shadow station is almost the same as in h0 as well, unfortunately. Matt
Thank you Matt. My German is very basic, but I understand more when I read it, than when I hear it. You're right, I have to base my steam locos on Märklin models, and I know that some locos were used in both the UK and Europe, with minor changes, so if I can find those, then a little kit bashing might be all I need. Otherwise... I guess I'll have to invest in a 3D printer... people, cars, lorries and so on, are hard to find in the right place and era in Z scale. I have small hands but I'll need to construct the landscape so that I can remove some to get access. It's part of my planning. The grades are giving me a headache though... I've already had to give up on one idea. I wish it was a bit easier to make nice flowing curves in XTrackCad. I tried the bezier tool, but then the track didn't want to connect. I'm missing something in the method there. No worries though, I can make it nicer in real life when I get that far.
Try Anyrail. There is a tryout version. And it is available swedish, too https://www.anyrail.com/sv Matt
I've already looked at Anyrail, but the price is too high. I don't mind using XTrackCad, it's just a bit quirky to learn how to use. I have made it give me some nice flowing curves now. The next thing is to fix some templates in real size but I think that Templot software thingy can offer that.
