Prototypical track dimensions

[ben mason]

One thing in particular I would be grateful if someone can confirm for me is the standard gap between parallel tracks for example running through a station with two platforms. One thing I can remember from the distant past is the "six foot way", but is that the normal distance between the tops of the inner rails?

[martinm]

Ben,
If you search for images of 'railway structure gauge' you will have a load of info.
These show minimum clearances on straight track. curved track is a whole new ball game
regards,
martin

[Winander]

Ben,

Digest 62 has oodles of info that may be of help.
https://www.scalefour.org/members/diges ... -0v1-2.pdf

regards

[grovenor-2685]

but is that the normal distance between the tops of the inner rails?

The simple answer is yes, that is the standard dimension for straight double track on most of the UK network.
So you get track centre to centre of 11'2" made up of:
Half of gauge, 2'4.25"
Width of rail, 2.75"
Six foot, 6'
Width of rail, 2.75"
Half of gauge, 2'4.25"
TOTAL, 11'2"
There are lots of exceptions, 10ft intervals when more than 2 tracks, obstructions, substandard clearances in congested areas, ex GW broad gauge etc.
But the above dimensions covered the vast bulk of the UK network and are still the standard today in metric form.
Regards

[ben mason]

Thanks that's very helpful, I will start to lay out my run-round loop with a bit more confidence! Regards, Ben

[Martin Wynne]

but is that the normal distance between the tops of the inner rails?

The simple answer is yes, that is the standard dimension for straight double track on most of the UK network.
So you get track centre to centre of 11'2" made up of:
Half of gauge, 2'4.25"
Width of rail, 2.75"
Six foot, 6'
Width of rail, 2.75"
Half of gauge, 2'4.25"
TOTAL, 11'2"

Just to throw a tiny spoke in that, on GWR and BR(W) lines it is 6ft-6in to the gauge-face of the rails.

So the total is 11ft-2.5in track centres, 1/2" wider than elsewhere. This is legacy from the days of 6ft way with rails 3" wide.

Martin.

[steamraiser]

Also I believe you could have a wider gap between two GWR lines where the track was originally laid in broad gauge.

Gordon A