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What is the max clearance needed between 2 tracks crossing over each other?
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Dave,
First off, welcome to the forum.
I assume you mean minimum clearance. You would need a minimum of 3-1/2" clearance for equipment to pass over each other. Please note that this does not include for the thickness of the roadbed.
Ron Newby
General Manager
Clearwater Valley Railway Co.
http://cvry.ca -
So 4.5 inches would do?
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I'm not an On30 modeler, but it might be useful to think about clearances in scale feet. 3 1/2" is 14 O scale feet, 4 1/2" is 18. Standard gauge equipment from before about 1960 is less than 16 feet tall, but autoracks and stack cars need 22 feet. As Ron said, you also need to allow at least 3 scale feet for the upper level's track and some kind of bridge girder (unless it's hidden and you're just going to fly the upper level over the lower).
JamesComment
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The "normal" recommended vertical clearance above the railhead is 4.25 inches. That's the On3 standard and it applies equally to On30. 4.5" above the roadbed is in the same ballpark. You can go less but that could limit your selection of equipment.
-JohnComment
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If you are in a tight situation, you can use a piece of sheet steel or aluminum instead of plywood etc. to build a brige on.
Gives a minimum of 1/2" extra clearance.
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