Check out the N.M.R.A. web site at www.nmra.org and go to the standards page. also you can check out indexmrmag.com it is an index of mast of the model r.r. mags since 1933. I use 2 1/2" on straight aways and 3" on curves. The curve centers will vary with the radius of the curve the gauge and the size of the equipment you are running. The page of the N.M.R.A. Standards is S-8. If that's all you need and you have a Fax machine I could Fax it to you. I don't know how good the fax will be since the copy of the page I have is pretty fuzzy.
Good Luck, Bob Cochran
Posts: 39 | From: Canyon Country, CA 91351 | Registered: Oct 2000
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I also use the 2-1/2" for centers. I use them in curves too. If push comes to shove, you can use 2" centers and get away with it, although I, probably many others too would suggest using the 2-1/2" centers. I would check the NMRA.
Posts: 62 | From: HC, IN, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Thanks for your answers, but I have to ask a follow-up. If 2.5"-3" is the standard, why does most sectional track come in 18" and 22" radius which is a 4" seperation?
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
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I'm using Bachmann EZ track and my siding is 2 1/4 inches C to C with a #6 turnout for my Superliner equipment (#BAC44576). It works fine if I'm not at max speed. FYI, I only have one siding and it's all straight track.
Mike Smith
Posts: 1418 | From: Houston, Republic of Texas | Registered: Jan 2001
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Not that it matters, but the standard track you refer to was marketed in advance of the NMRA standards. It was designed rather to see train kits that would be able to be set up and run in small spaces. Any smaller, and many locos would derail. The NMRA standard is based upon acceptable standards for operation custom or home built railroads or modules and also find a standard that will come close to guaranteeing that all models will run. You will find that some models, particularly large steam locos do not like the tight radius. Also, longer cars hang over the curve quite a bit. The challenge of realism is to get your model layout to look as real as you can.
Posts: 62 | From: Carmel, Indiana, USA | Registered: Dec 2000
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