5 inch gauge track laying

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Hillsreg
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5 inch gauge track laying

Post by Hillsreg » Fri Mar 30, 2018 5:53 pm

Hi all.

We are constructing our 5 inch gauge live steam and are restricted to an 18 foot radius - 38 foot diameter.

Can we increase the gauge from 5 inches - ie to 5 and 1 16th - to accommodate larger locomotives ? Such as from 040 to 060 ?

Any advice most welcome.

Many thanks.

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tom_tom_go
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Re: 5 inch gauge track laying

Post by tom_tom_go » Sat Mar 31, 2018 12:09 pm

Hi,

I think you would be better off bringing in the wheels on the loco slightly if they are adjustable?

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Re: 5 inch gauge track laying

Post by laalratty » Sat Mar 31, 2018 9:07 pm

A little bit of gauge widening should be fine, on the 15 inch gauge at Ravenglass we increase the gauge by 1/4 inch for sharp curves, so if anything you might want a bit more then 1/16th widening. I wouldn't move the wheels on the axle, as that will affect back to backs and other crucial dimensions that may affect running on other lines.
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Hillsreg
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Re: 5 inch gauge track laying

Post by Hillsreg » Mon Apr 02, 2018 11:37 am

Thanks for the replies guys.

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tom_tom_go
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Re: 5 inch gauge track laying

Post by tom_tom_go » Mon Apr 02, 2018 1:25 pm

We would be interested to see your loco build and railway if possible?

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Re: 5 inch gauge track laying

Post by Big Jim » Fri Apr 13, 2018 3:14 pm

Try and avoid adjusting the the gauge on the wheels, this could cause issues if you take your loco off to other lines for a play. (passing through points/crossings etc.)
Widening the track gauge is okay, trial and error might be the best way of working out how much. With tight curves there is only so far you can go and it will restrict locos with long wheel bases.
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