Large Scale Central

Track spacing for non-operating storage?

Track and Trestles
#1

Hello all,

I’m finally getting some shelves up to dedicate to storing rolling stock. The idea will be to have the cars arranged like books on a shelf (short ends towards the wall) to try and get as much density as possible while still keeping cars easily accessible.

I want to create some sort of track stand-in so they can roll on and off the shelf into a carrier of my choice, but I don’t know how closely I can pack them together. Is there a “standard” distance that should work, or is it going to vary heavily based on the cars I have?

My own research has dug up information about track spacing and considerations when running trains or setting up a switch yard, but I don’t need to worry about curves and overhangs. In this situation, I’m going for pure density and ease of access (don’t want cars snagging other cars, etc).

Thanks!

#2

Hi Benjamin. What scale are you running? That will determine spacing.

I built storage shelves based on shelves at Al Pomeroy’s railroad. The thread that resulted in building storage shelves for Fn3 is here: Too many cars ! - #5 by JRad

#3

I’ve managed to acquire some LGB stuff + Bachmann items in the same scale, along with some older Aristo items, so I guess it runs the gamut from 1:22.5 to 1:29. I don’t have any 1:32 items that I’m aware of.

#4

Some Bachman is 1:20.3 I believe.

#5

try three (thanks Rick) 1:20.3 pieces of rolling stock side by side
see how close you can space them such that you can get your fingers on either side…
this would be my limit, and even then you cannot re-rail cars in “open spots”

#6

My thoughts,
Do as stated above, set 3 cars side by side then lift or roll the center car out, adjust the spacing until it is a comfortable grab then add 1 inch more to the center to center.

If you have the means don’t use track. either saw 1/4 inch groves at the right wheel spacing or cut 1/4 inch thick slats at the dimension of the back to back of the wheels less 1/8 inch and tack them down to the base at the desired centers.

#7

Thanks for posting this! We have been mewling about doing something similar.

Eric