I heard some time ago that the spacing between track centers in yards is narrower than on the mainline or spurs. I believe in N scale the minimum spacing between track centers is 1 1/4" - if you took two Atlas code 55 turnouts of the same direction and joined them at the diverging tracks you'd get 1 1/4". But if I got those two turnouts as a crossover and put them in a yard, I would have to cut down the diverging tracks, correct? So by how much? If indeed yard trackage has narrower track center spacing then that means I'm able to squeeze an extra track in there...but I have to cut down my turnouts by a certain amount.
MRL, Greetings. To be fair, I don't have much experience with "N", but even in HO, parallel track spacing is limited by fingers more than equipment. Real world 1:1 track centers are around 13' (center to center), or somewhat less than 1 inch, and (as you correctly said) even closer in yards. Following the geometry of commercial track components will give a larger, but more workable, still visually acceptable spacing. If you wish to minimize the separation, for visual effect, measure your (widest) equipment, and adjust as you wish. Remember though, the 13' centers provide only a narrow manway in 1:1...certainly not even finger space to re-rail, couple, or otherwise adjust your equipment, and if curves are involved, it's a whole 'nother ball game. I'm sure some of the "N"ormal folks will be along to give more complete info and advice - best of luck on your project. Bob C.
1 1/4" Track Center Spacing N-Scale 1" Track Center Spacing N-Scale For the yards, I like to keep them a little closer, so I can squeeze more tracks in there. As far as altering turnouts, it mostly isn't necessary, just make the curve on the track diverging from the turnout tighter. As per prototype in the yards I work at, tracks that are for arrival and departure are spaced farther apart to accommodate a carman's vehicle to fit between the tracks and work the trains. Classification tracks are spaced pretty close together, because you don't really need extra room on the sides.
Well, for one of the tracks that applies, but some of the rest are made up of crossovers created by linking two turnouts with each other. For some reason, a pair of Atlas C55 #5 and #7 turnouts have the same 1 1/4" track spacings when you join them as a crossover.
I'm using 1" pretty much everywhere except curves. On the prototype, I've worked yards that the tracks were so close together it wasn't safe to walk in between or ride the sides of cars on adjacent tracks.
Oh roger. Yeah that is a problem. I do know that when you ladder them that they naturally create a smaller track spacing. Do you have a track plan for the yard?
Greg, Hello. Understand the wide vehicle-access spacing for tracks, but that wasn't common in yards built before the '90s. Previously, inspection was done by manpower more than horsepower...inspections and minor maintenance was done on arrival or flagged/tagged on the classification hump. Anything more than superficial work took place on a Repair In Place (RIP) track or at a dedicated shop (requiring a crew and locomotive for placement). Track centers were, at some locations, less than standard/safe to walk when either track could move! Some yards now suspend the rule requiring a crew member to ride a "shove" because of such conditions, and require other employees to protect themselves from such moves. Where close track centers may endanger inspectors or car men, "Blue Flag" protection must be applied to the track being worked, and to adjacent tracks to protect all involved. Fortunately, these problems would only be simulated on (most) model railroads. The era and history of your facility's construction could have bearing on track spacing, if you choose to be precise, or need a justification to "slip-in" an extra track or two ! :tb-wink: Bob C.
