parallel track spacing in 009

[Darren Carter]

Can anyone share best practice for minimum spacing between tracks when running straight and parallel i.e. out of sight fiddle yard?

[Graeme Dunbar]

I find the most convenient spacing is the "natural" parallel spacing that comes from points arranged as a cross-over. About 35 mm or 36 mm from memory. I drew up some geometry examples in AnyRail and also from memory, Peco 009 Setrack, Crazy Track, Mainline and N Scale are all about the same and match their little plastic six foot way gauges. I'll see if I can find the drawing.

I assume for many people it is also not too narrow to allow stock to be picked up if not re-railed. I'm sure narrower is possible, but then the builder probably needs to pay a lot more heed to track curvature, overhang of locomotives and bogie stock and 'monster' 009 models. I assume the spacing was chosen originally to allow N gauge carriages to negotiate double track based on Radius 1 (9 inch) inner curves.

I find the more critical measurement is the length allowance at the throat of diverging points to allow stock to pass unimpeded. With a small layout and limited space it is tempting to try to push this to its limit and squeeze an extra wagon in. There may be a good reason to widen the track spacing when it comes to coupling and uncoupling if it may give an extra bit of straight track or a more gentle curve where the uncoupling position is. If length is no object then there shouldn't be an issue as all the shunting can take place on straight parallel track.

Edit: found the image. 35 mm does seem to be the distance for a straight Crazy Track crossover (top right). Mainline is a bit less. If doing combination then perhaps using the widest spacing and insert shord spacing lengths. It appears conveniently as if Mainline "on the slant" and Crazy Track square will mate together, though I've not tried this combination.