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Proses track spacing gauge

Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2020 9:05 am
by RSR Engineer
Just a few comments on this little gadget. I found the Proses gauge very useful for laying concentric curves (track is Peco Streamline code 100). One thing though, the gauge does not sit snugly on the rail heads but has almost 1mm free play. To compensate for this, you need take up the sideplay in the same direction on both tracks.

Cheers,
Artur

Re: Proses track spacing gauge

Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2020 9:27 am
by Walkingthedog
I used the Peco version. Only 55p.

Re: Proses track spacing gauge

Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2020 11:08 am
by Brian
I too use those Peco track spacing gauges, I have three and they are great for setting Streamline (and Setrack too) to the correct spacings.
The gauge also has a platform height measure as well. :D
BTW. The centre line of Peco Streamline track on parallel lines is 50mm while Setrack/Hornby is 67mm.

Image

Re: Proses track spacing gauge

Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2020 11:19 am
by teedoubleudee
Plus one for the Peco gauge.

Re: Proses track spacing gauge

Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2020 11:20 am
by IanS
Me two! (or me too!)

Re: Proses track spacing gauge

Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2020 2:20 pm
by Mountain Goat
What is the track spacing for the Western Region (E.g. Wales, and the south west of the country) as it used to be broad gauge so the spacing known as the 6ft is much wider, especially noticeable with the track near platforms where even 67mm spacing seems to be a little narrow.
I have mentioned this before as if I spaced using the 50mm gauges, they would not at all look prototypical for my location. While I no longer need one, I was wondering if such a track gauge was made? As most if the old Great Western Railway system was layed like this and the GWR seems to be the most popular at one time to be modelled, and then the B.R. Western Region which also would have been made to this track spacing over much of its route.

Re: Proses track spacing gauge

Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2020 5:26 pm
by Brian
50mm nor 67mm is not the correct spacing for representation of "Standard" uk track spacing. They are compromises to allow over scale rolling stock to pass each other. In fact 45mm in OO is about correct but its generally far too narrow.
As for GWR, well heaven knows, its only the Brunel part that's on a wider track bed in some places.
The terminology for the spacing between lines is the "six foot" for standard twin tracked lines or "ten foot" where four lines run parallel with the ten foot being the middle space between four lines.
So on two line railways the outer edge is the Cess, then the four foot (Running line 1), then six foot then four foot (running line 2) and then the other Cess. Four lines would be... Cess-Four foot-six foot-four foot-ten foot-four foot-six foot-four four-Cess.

Re: Proses track spacing gauge

Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2020 8:50 am
by bulleidboy
Me three :D

Re: Proses track spacing gauge

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2020 8:31 pm
by Chuffchuff
Me Cheapskate

I used some 2mm card to make any number of gauges in an H shape. The" 1 1" legs of the H are width between the rails of each track (16mm) and the bar part is sufficient to hold the sides at whatever with you want . I have a set of 50mm. 58mm and 67mm to ensure clearance on curves

Downside is that they are not instantly adjustable.

Rgds

Re: Proses track spacing gauge

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2020 10:40 pm
by Mountain Goat
Brian wrote: Sun Dec 06, 2020 5:26 pm 50mm nor 67mm is not the correct spacing for representation of "Standard" uk track spacing. They are compromises to allow over scale rolling stock to pass each other. In fact 45mm in OO is about correct but its generally far too narrow.
As for GWR, well heaven knows, its only the Brunel part that's on a wider track bed in some places.
The terminology for the spacing between lines is the "six foot" for standard twin tracked lines or "ten foot" where four lines run parallel with the ten foot being the middle space between four lines.
So on two line railways the outer edge is the Cess, then the four foot (Running line 1), then six foot then four foot (running line 2) and then the other Cess. Four lines would be... Cess-Four foot-six foot-four foot-ten foot-four foot-six foot-four four-Cess.
Only just noticed your reply.
Yes. I was taught these terms when I worked on the railways. I would say that sectional track spacing looks perfect for the railway line spacing in these parts.


https://youtu.be/wHi5HOqigPI


Here is an example of a typical ex. broad gauge main line station in Wales. Two trains can pass and one could pretty much ride a bicycle inbetween them (In theory).
Of course some areas the "6 foot" gap has narrowed over the years to be closer to todays spacing (In places) due to many years of track adjustments, but at stations and station throat areas there is quite a noticeable gap.