Will two Bachmann On30 trains pass clearly if I use the large remote crossover turnouts (#44576)? I measured clearance for my 2-6-0 but may get larger locos in the future.
I don't have a #6 E-Z Track crossover to measure, but I suspect it has the straights spaced 2-1/8" center-to-center. This is good for H0 as it give 15-1/2 scale feet track centers, which is more than real world minimum on straight track and enough for most H0-scale curves. But in 0-scale, this is only 8-1/2 feet which too close for comfort. A better alternative is to use a pair of #6 right hand turnouts with a bit of straight track in between. Or even #5 right hand turnouts if the over all length of the crossover is a problem with #6s. The minimum radius through a #5 turnout is about 26" and even that is over a short length.
For what it is worth, I have decided to use 3" center-to-center on my own layout. Others may be using different standards and hopefully will post them here.
HO Bachmann E-Z Track #6 Remote Crossover -- straights spaced 2-3/8" center line to center line.
Thanks, Hunt. That would make it 9-1/2 feet in 0-scale, which should give you a miss on straights but not on curves. May be a little rough for a brakeman on the side of a car or an engineer with his head out the cab window.
Useful minimum Clearance information in
http://www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/s-7.html
http://www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/s-8.html
http://www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/gauge.html
Caveat – be sure you understand what the numbers represent before you use them. You need to read and compare the information in all three links.
Thanks to all of you. Next (stupid) question -- will the Bachmann On30 Forney, Shay and/or Climax locomotives negotiate an 18" curve or is a 22" (or greater) required.
I've been running the Forney on my HO layout (which never got past one working loop of track). They need a tad more curve clearance, but run around 18" curves okay. I do have one tight spot where the rear will come uncoupled, or if I go fast it wobbles the first car a bit.
As for clearance, the HO was intended to be a double-track main line and has some side-by-side track with one inch or so added between #6 switches. The On30 cars clear but just barely, and the Forney in particular hits stuff on the curves.