Gap from track to edge of board

QUOTE (ben100 @ 25 May 2008, 13:21) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi
I am building a layout and was wondreing is there a minimum requirement in the size of gap from edge of track to baseboard side?
Thanks in advance,
Ben

IMO, as much as possible, or a piece of perspex etc to stop what happened to me [on several occasions]...

Various nose dives off the board resulting in damage and hence locomotives and rolling stock in store awaiting repair, or possible scrapping !

I too am trying to "max out" what I can fit in, and I will be fitting suitable scenery [embankment perhaps] or perspex to the sides.

Stops little fingers fiddling also........highly prized stock being taken away "for a play"....

Good Luck,

Nick

About 6" is quite acceptable and consider putting a face board above the edge to stop possible derailments landing on the floor.

if space is at a premium, you will want to use the largest radius curves that will fit, then you need to be a bit more 'scientific' than suggested so far.....

you need to leave sufficient room for the vehicle with the longest overhang to get around without clouting backscenes or overhanging the edge of the board

as a good rule of thumb, I would suggest the same clearances as one would find between double tracks on the curve.

I have used a 2" gap on my son's layout......upgrading from approx no.1 curves to No.2 or 3......which is a bit academic as I used flex track, but you get my drift?

try temporarily laying some track, and try your longest coaches round them.....hold a pencil on the outer corner of a coach,and trace the line on the board.....this will give some idea of what space to leave???

also remember, unless you are using curved boards, then the actual points where tracks really get close to the edge will be few.

I reckon a minimum of a coupla inches, all round, should be ok.........I ignore little fingers....

sufficient to provide a ''barrier'', diverting any errant stock back onto the board?

On the 'board' side, maybe replicate a brick wall?

or a low 'cutting'?

I have tended to 'follow the contours' with mine, but then, even my young son hasn't been able to get any stock on the deck...yet....

of course, you could ALWAYS follow prototype practice...and check-rail any curves???

the point of my ''advice'' floating away from the other acknowledged experts herein..is that I tend to view things from a viewpoint of having less-than-zero space.

therefore, given tiny board sizes [or space available] I look to maximise what I have......or rather, MINIMISE the effect a lack of room has, on the actual model railway?

In the end......clearances for stock apart.....how close one wishes to run a track to the edge of one's board is a personal matter...and one needs to undergo a ''risk assessment'' to decide.