Clearances
Clearances |
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These notes are a record of what we have done and are absolute minimum requirements. We have ended up with these measurements by necesitty rather than choice.
Diagram above shows the absolute minimum we have worked to on our line. An assessment of risk for individual objects should take place before deciding on the minimum distance. For example a curve coming in to contact with a straight wall will pose less risk than a sudden fence post.
Running through our tunnel we have placed the tracks at 450mm. that is the two rails are 450mm apart. This is not ideal but it allows us squeeze the inner loop with a 10' radius. We wouldn't recommend this by choice as it only leaves just over 100mm between knees.
Side clearances are not a one time issue, things change and need to be monitored -
- New or visiting rolling stock - can be wider, different seating position (knees sticking out further)
- Plant growth - especially thorned bushes*
- Type of driver/passenger - children are notorious for leaning out
- Movement/settlement of track
Headroom
You decide. Sit on your train and physically measure it. Make sure you get the tallest adult to be the model. Add extra to allow for those moments when you forget where you are.
One word of caution - if possible do not put overhead objects (signal gantrys, tunnel entances etc) at the level between your eyes and the top of your head. Put them in front of your eyes or above your head. It is too easy to miss an object in this range. This is also the range where you stand up forgetting the low ceiling.
* Roses - I grew up with roses in the garden. Dozens of punctures balls, and thorns suck in your skin on too many times to count . Now we have grown up there are none in the garden. My parents claim it was a legacy of the 1930's, I claim they had a darker side which liked seeing children punished for treading on the gardens.
Next Stage -Track Choice