Testing Long Passenger Cars & the GG1 loco
Like you I have some long autoracks and passenger cars I want to run on my layout. My plans have evolved from an original concept that had multiple 24" loops, to one that now has its loops and helix all in one 'structure'. I was hoping to make this helix structure as large of a radius as possible, but I have a physical limiting main power pole out back of my train shed that is just 'in-the-way'. I've have looked at options to have it moved, but it is cost restrictive. I have decided I am going to move the shed as far forward under my carport as possible (gaining about 6").
This should allow for me to have a max 32" outer radius for my double track helix and mainline loops. (It might have to be only 31" at worst case). So assuming worst case I believe I can have a second inner radius at 2.5" less,...28.5". Am I correct, is 2.5" centerline track spacing enough at these sort of radiuses?
If so that means a distance of about 1.25" from the centerline of the track to an imaginary barrier between the two tracks should be OK? Furthermore a likewise 1.25" clearance outboard of the outer track should be OK??
Brian
I did some testing out on my 'outdoor test bench' . As I have mentioned before I feel I can easily fit a helix into my plans that will have,...
Outer radius 31 inches
Inner radius 28.5 inches
I decided to glue some track down on my 'bench' in those 2 dimensions. I chose the 2.5" between tracks dimension after reading a great number of postings indicating that this seems to be adequate for basic curved tracks at these sort of radiuses.
So here are my 2 tracks that also have penciled in lines located 1" outboard of them (1" either side of the track's centerline)
That is a newer Walthers 85' heavyweight passenger car on the inner track. It's obivious that its forward end is just shy of that 1" clearance from the C/L.
What is not so obvious is how much does the center of this car project from the C/L of the track. Regretable my camera angle (too close to subject) hides this detail. Let me say that it appears as though the center of this long passenger car requires a FULL 1" clearance on its inboard side on this 28.5 radius curve.
How about two of those passenger cars passing one another on my helix. No problem according to this photo, (and here you can see the center overhang of that upper car barely touches the 1" clearance line at its inboard side)
Since I'm dealing with PRR passenger cars here. i wanted to see if a GG1 could get by, (an IHC one I have).
This photo would appear to have everything OK,...BUT as it turns out there is considerable 'play' in its trucks that allow it to extend past that 1" clearance line. From these 2 photos we can tell that this loco requires at least 1.25" clearance on its outboard front side.
Its inboard side does NOT seem to present any problems with overhang.
And Interestingly, it still has plenty of clearance to negotiate the helix with 2.5" separation of the 2 tracks.
...to be continued