HO Scale Distance Between Rail Centers

[AARR]

Does anyone have any experience operating modern 90' rail cars on HO scale track? What do you recommend as the minimum distance between rail centers on curved track? Does the distance make a difference if the curves are 24" vs. 30"?

[hoborich]

Well, there would be less overhang on 30 inch radius curves. And 90 ft cars don't like number 4 turnouts and switches. I try to avoid any 90 ft cars, but I have several auto racks which usually remain in the yard to be seen. And 90 ft cars don't look right on most model railroads, unless it's a club layout with wide curves. But the actual track centers depend on several variables. If you have track centers wide enough for the 90 ft cars, they will look too far apart. Or you could just make sure not to have any opposing trains on the adjacent track when running 90 ft cars.

[AARR]

Thanks for responding, hoborich.

When no one responded to my question I did some investigating and came up with this:
- Straight tracks are on 2" centers
- Mainline curves are on 2-1/2" centers
- Branchline curve is on 2" centers
- #6 turnouts for mainline and branchline passing sidings
- #5 turnouts for industrial turnouts

Trains with the 86'-90' cars will have to go through the turnouts slowly but that's ok with me as it adds to the realism of the operation

My room is approximately 12'x12' so the number of long freight cars will be minimal and hopefully will not be an operational nightmare.

[hoborich]

Yep. Nothing wrong with slow orders for realism.

Not a very good picture, but it's all I have right now.