IBLS Track Standard: Difference between revisions

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  <tr><td>Scale</td><td>Ratio</td><td>Standard Gauge</td><td>Notes</td></tr>
  <tr><td>Scale</td><td>Ratio</td><td>Standard Gauge</td><td>Notes</td></tr>


  <tr><td>00</td><td>1:67</td><td>16.5 mm<br>0.650 in</td><td>Hornby produced.Generally regarded as the smallest scale for live steam.</td></tr>
  <tr><td>00</td><td>1:67</td><td>16.5 mm<br>0.650 inch</td><td>Hornby produced.Generally regarded as the smallest scale for live steam.</td></tr>


  <tr><td>O</td><td>1:45</td><td>32 mm<br>1.260 in</td><td>Popularly used for the small scale live steam.</td></tr>
  <tr><td>O</td><td>1:45</td><td>32 mm<br>1.260 inch</td><td>Popularly used for the small scale live steam.</td></tr>


  <tr><td>No. 1</td><td>1:32</td><td>45 mm<br>1.772 in</td><td>Popularly used for the small scale live steam. Corresponds to NEM 1 or NMRA #I.</td></tr>
  <tr><td>No. 1</td><td>1:32</td><td>45 mm<br>1.772 inch</td><td>Popularly used for the small scale live steam. Corresponds to NEM 1 or NMRA #I.</td></tr>


  <tr><td>No. 3<br>1/2"</td><td>1:22.6</td><td>63.5 mm<br>2 1⁄2 in</td><td>The smallest scale able to pull real passengers. Was one of the first popular live steam gauges, developed in England in the early 1900s. In terms of model railway operation, "Gauge '3' " is the largest (standard gauge) scenic railway modelling scale, using a scale of 13.5mm to the foot. The Gauge '3' Society represents this aspect of 2½" gauge railway modelling with both electric and live steam operation. Gauge '3' corresponds to NEM II scale, also known as 'Spur II' in Germany.  
  <tr><td>No. 3<br>1⁄2 inch</td><td>1:22.6</td><td>63.5 mm<br>2 1⁄2 inch</td><td>The smallest scale able to pull real passengers. Was one of the first popular live steam gauges, developed in England in the early 1900s. In terms of model railway operation, Gauge '3' is the largest (standard gauge) scenic railway modelling scale, using a scale of 13.5mm to the foot. The Gauge '3' Society represents this aspect of 2½ inch gauge railway modelling with both electric and live steam operation. Gauge '3' corresponds to NEM II scale, also known as 'Spur II' in Germany.  
The National 2.5" Association continues to support live steam passenger hauling in 2.5" gauge using MES Tracks. They use a 'scale' appropriate to the original prototype modelling both standard and narrow gauge locomotives to run on 2.5" track.
The National 2.5 inch Association continues to support live steam passenger hauling in 2.5 inch gauge using MES Tracks. They use a 'scale' appropriate to the original prototype modelling both standard and narrow gauge locomotives to run on 2.5 inch track.
</td></tr>
</td></tr>


  <tr><td>3/4"</td><td>1:16</td><td>3 1⁄2 in<br>89 mm</td><td>A worldwide garden railroad scale. Corresponds to NEM III and NMRA 3/4".</td></tr>
  <tr><td>3/4 inch</td><td>1:16</td><td>3 1⁄2 inch<br>89 mm</td><td>A worldwide garden railroad scale. Corresponds to NEM III and NMRA 3/4".</td></tr>


  <tr><td>1"</td><td>1:12</td><td>4 3⁄4 in<br>121 mm</td><td>North America specific scale corresponding to NMRA 1" scale. 1:12 is one of the most popular backyard railway scales.</td></tr>
  <tr><td>1 inch</td><td>1:12</td><td>4 3⁄4 inch<br>121 mm</td><td>North America specific scale corresponding to NMRA 1" scale. 1:12 is one of the most popular backyard railway scales.</td></tr>


  <tr><td>1"</td><td>1:11</td><td>5 in<br>127 mm</td><td>Used outside North America. Corresponds to NEM V. One of the most popular garden railway scales.</td></tr>
  <tr><td>1 inch</td><td>1:11</td><td>5 inch<br>127 mm</td><td>Used outside North America. Corresponds to NEM V. One of the most popular garden railway scales.</td></tr>


  <tr><td>1.5"</td><td>1:8</td><td>7 1⁄4 in<br>184 mm</td><td>Used in North-Eastern USA, Canada and the world outside North America. Corresponds to NEM VII.</td></tr>
  <tr><td>1.5 inch</td><td>1:8</td><td>7 1⁄4 inch<br>184 mm</td><td>Used in North-Eastern USA, Canada and the world outside North America. Corresponds to NEM VII.</td></tr>


  <tr><td>1.5"</td><td>1:8</td><td>7 1⁄2 in<br>190.5 mm</td><td>Used in North America outside of New England and Eastern Canada.</td></tr>
  <tr><td>1.5 inch</td><td>1:8</td><td>7 1⁄2 inch<br>190.5 mm</td><td>Used in North America outside of New England and Eastern Canada.</td></tr>


  <tr><td>1.6"</td><td>1:7.5</td><td>7 1⁄2 in<br>190.5 mm</td><td>1.6in=1ft. Used in the USA, often finer-scale. Uses 7.5in gauge.</td></tr>
  <tr><td>1.6 inch</td><td>1:7.5</td><td>7 1⁄4, 7 1⁄2 inch<br>190.5 mm</td><td>1.6in=1ft. Used in the USA, often finer-scale.</td></tr>


</table>
<tr><td>2 inch</td><td>1:6</td><td>7 1⁄4, 7 1⁄2, 9, 10, 12, 14 inch<br></td><td>Narrow gauge for 7 1⁄4 and 7 1⁄2 inch gauge.</td></tr>
 
<tr><td>2.5 inch</td><td>1:5</td><td>7 1⁄4, 7 1⁄2, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15 inch<br></td><td>Narrow gauge for 7 1⁄4 and 7 1⁄2 inch gauge.</td></tr>
 
<tr><td>3 inch</td><td>1:4</td><td>12, 14, 15 inch<br></td><td></td></tr>
 
<tr><td>3.75 inch</td><td>1:3.125</td><td>7 1⁄4, 7 1⁄2 inch<br></td><td>Narrow gauge for 7 1⁄4 and 7 1⁄2 inch gauge.</td></tr>


== Rail Gap ==
<tr><td>4 inch</td><td>1:3</td><td>15, 16 inch<br></td><td></td></tr>


[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_expansion#Examples_and_applications Thermal expansion] can cause track misalignment, typically referred to as "sun kink".  Track must be laid with gaps between adjoining rails to reduce the likelihood of sun kinks.
<tr><td>5 inch</td><td>1:2.4</td><td>15, 16, 18 inch<br></td><td></td></tr>


The table below provides recommended gaps for the ambient temperature when the track is laid. Gaps are indicated in fractions of an inch and temperature is in Fahrenheit.  Note that the scale of the rail has no bearing on the size of the gap required.
  <tr><td>6 inch</td><td>1:2</td><td>18 inch<br></td><td></td></tr>


<center>
</table>
{| class="wikitable"
|+ IBLS Rail Gap Standard
! scope="col"|Rail Type
! scope="col"|Rail Length (inches)
! scope="col"|0°F
! scope="col"|20°F
! scope="col"|40°F
! scope="col"|60°F
! scope="col"|80°F
! scope="col"|100°F
! scope="col"|120°F
! scope="col"|140°F
|-
|Aluminum (6063-T5)
|120
|1/4
|3/16
|5/32
|1/8
|3/32
|1/16
|1/32
|no gap
|-
|Aluminum (6061-T5)
|120
|1/4
|1/5
|1/6
|1/8
|1/10
|1/16
|1/32
|no gap
|-
|Steel
|120
|1/8
|1/10
|1/13
|1/16
|1/20
|1/32
|1/64
|no gap
|-
|Aluminum (6063-T5)
|240
|2/5
|3/8
|5/16
|1/4
|3/16
|1/8
|1/16
|no gap
|-
|Aluminum (6061-T5)
|240
|1/2
|5/13
|1/3
|1/4
|1/5
|1/8
|1/16
|no gap
|-
|Steel
|240
|1/4
|1/5
|1/6
|1/8
|1/10
|1/16
|1/32
|no gap


|}
Special thanks to Glenn Brooks, who provided information for 2 inch scale and above.
</center>


* [http://ibls.org/files/2015/RailGapStandards.xlsx RailGapStandards.xlsx - Download and modify parameters as needed for your pike.]
== Rail Gap ==


* See also [http://millcreekcentral.com/TrackStandards/TrackStandards.htm "Track Standards: Determination of Rail Joint Gap", <i>Mill Creek Central Railroad</i>]
See [[Rail expansion]].


== Background ==
== Background ==
Line 158: Line 85:
** For 1-1/2 inch scale - "Standard" - 1 inch high, 7/16 inch wide head, 1/8 inch wide web, 3/4 inch wide foot, length 10 foot, aluminum
** For 1-1/2 inch scale - "Standard" - 1 inch high, 7/16 inch wide head, 1/8 inch wide web, 3/4 inch wide foot, length 10 foot, aluminum
** For 1-1/2 inch scale - "West Coast" - 1 inch high, 1/2 inch wide head, 15/16 inch wide foot, length 10 foot, aluminum
** For 1-1/2 inch scale - "West Coast" - 1 inch high, 1/2 inch wide head, 15/16 inch wide foot, length 10 foot, aluminum
[[File:CannonballLtd StandardRail 2004.JPG|thumb|right|200px|[[Cannonball Ltd]] "Standard" aluminum rail profile, from their 2004 catalog.]]
<gallery widths=300px heights=300px perrow=2>
[[File:CannonballLtd WestCoastRail 2004.JPG|thumb|right|200px|[[Cannonball Ltd]] "West Coast" aluminum rail profile, from their 2004 catalog.]]
File:CannonballLtd StandardRail 2004.JPG|[[Cannonball Ltd]] "Standard" aluminum rail profile, from their 2004 catalog.
File:CannonballLtd WestCoastRail 2004.JPG|[[Cannonball Ltd]] "West Coast" aluminum rail profile, from their 2004 catalog.
</gallery>


* Culp Rail
* Culp Rail
Line 166: Line 95:
** 3/4 inch scale rail 0.625 inch high – 10 foot lengths
** 3/4 inch scale rail 0.625 inch high – 10 foot lengths
** LGB rail 0.335 inch high – 10 foot lengths
** LGB rail 0.335 inch high – 10 foot lengths
<gallery widths=300px heights=300px perrow=2>
File:CulpRail LiveSteam Feb1981.jpg|Culp Rail advertisement from Live Steam Magazine, February 1981.
</gallery>


* [http://www.friendsmodels.com/productsforsale/rail.html Friends "Yankee Shop" Rail]
* [http://www.friendsmodels.com/productsforsale/rail.html Friends "Yankee Shop" Rail]
Line 199: Line 131:
* [[Live Steamer Parts LLC]]
* [[Live Steamer Parts LLC]]
** For 1 inch scale - 5/8 inch tall 5/8 inch foot, with 1/4 inch railhead, 8-1/2 foot lengths
** For 1 inch scale - 5/8 inch tall 5/8 inch foot, with 1/4 inch railhead, 8-1/2 foot lengths
* [[Portable track]]
* Grand Scale Rail
: Glenn Brooks wrote:
:: Regarding rail, over the past 100 years, 8# (8 pound) rail was common during the early 1900’s, but has largely been replaced with 12# rail. Nowadays 6 kg rail (13.2#) is the most prevalent size rail produced by rail suppliers.
== Tie Spacing ==
See Also:
* [[Texas Standard Tie Spacing]]
* [[Charles Field Track Panel Jig]]


== Rail Profiles ==
== Rail Profiles ==
Line 248: Line 193:
* [http://www.icrr.net/rails.htm ASCE Rail Information]
* [http://www.icrr.net/rails.htm ASCE Rail Information]
* [http://www.grandscales.com/freestuff/Track%20Manual.pdf Swanton Pacific Railroad Track Manual]
* [http://www.grandscales.com/freestuff/Track%20Manual.pdf Swanton Pacific Railroad Track Manual]
* [http://www.chaski.com/homemachinist/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=91413 Chaski.org, thread on 3/4" scale rail]
* [http://www.chaski.org/homemachinist/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=91413 Chaski.org, thread on 3/4" scale rail]
* [http://www.chaski.com/homemachinist/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=81579 Chaski.org, info on Peter Nuskey]
* [http://www.chaski.org/homemachinist/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=81579 Chaski.org, info on Peter Nuskey]
* [http://www.black5video.com/wordpress/why-build-a-backyard-railroad/ "Mill Brook Railroad", info on Culp Rail/Peter Nuskey]
* [http://www.black5video.com/wordpress/why-build-a-backyard-railroad/ "Mill Brook Railroad", info on Culp Rail/Peter Nuskey]
* [http://www.steamingpriest.com/suppliers/rail/ "Live Steam by Father Finelli", info on Culp Rail and L S Rail]
* [http://www.steamingpriest.com/suppliers/rail/ "Live Steam by Father Finelli", info on Culp Rail and L S Rail]
Line 262: Line 207:
* "Rail Gap Standards", Arthur W. Reiter, <i>[[Modeltec]]</i>, January 1994
* "Rail Gap Standards", Arthur W. Reiter, <i>[[Modeltec]]</i>, January 1994
* [https://www.jghtech.com/assets/applets/LFLSRM-Fundamentals-of-Railway-Curve-Superelevation-current.pdf "Fundamentals of Railway Curve Superelevation", Jeffrey G. Hook, <i>Deerfield & Roundabout RR</i>]
* [https://www.jghtech.com/assets/applets/LFLSRM-Fundamentals-of-Railway-Curve-Superelevation-current.pdf "Fundamentals of Railway Curve Superelevation", Jeffrey G. Hook, <i>Deerfield & Roundabout RR</i>]
* [http://www.harmersteel.com/tee-rails/12-lb-yd-asce-rail/ Prototype rail drawings and specification, <i>Harmer Steel</i>]
* [https://www.chaski.org/homemachinist/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104115&p=361213&hilit=tie+track+spacing#p361089 "Typical Tie Spacing 7-1/X Gauge?", <i>Chaski.org</i>]

Latest revision as of 12:22, 10 May 2021


Gauge

Correct way to measure gauge
ScaleRatioStandard GaugeNotes
001:6716.5 mm
0.650 inch
Hornby produced.Generally regarded as the smallest scale for live steam.
O1:4532 mm
1.260 inch
Popularly used for the small scale live steam.
No. 11:3245 mm
1.772 inch
Popularly used for the small scale live steam. Corresponds to NEM 1 or NMRA #I.
No. 3
1⁄2 inch
1:22.663.5 mm
2 1⁄2 inch
The smallest scale able to pull real passengers. Was one of the first popular live steam gauges, developed in England in the early 1900s. In terms of model railway operation, Gauge '3' is the largest (standard gauge) scenic railway modelling scale, using a scale of 13.5mm to the foot. The Gauge '3' Society represents this aspect of 2½ inch gauge railway modelling with both electric and live steam operation. Gauge '3' corresponds to NEM II scale, also known as 'Spur II' in Germany.

The National 2.5 inch Association continues to support live steam passenger hauling in 2.5 inch gauge using MES Tracks. They use a 'scale' appropriate to the original prototype modelling both standard and narrow gauge locomotives to run on 2.5 inch track.

3/4 inch1:163 1⁄2 inch
89 mm
A worldwide garden railroad scale. Corresponds to NEM III and NMRA 3/4".
1 inch1:124 3⁄4 inch
121 mm
North America specific scale corresponding to NMRA 1" scale. 1:12 is one of the most popular backyard railway scales.
1 inch1:115 inch
127 mm
Used outside North America. Corresponds to NEM V. One of the most popular garden railway scales.
1.5 inch1:87 1⁄4 inch
184 mm
Used in North-Eastern USA, Canada and the world outside North America. Corresponds to NEM VII.
1.5 inch1:87 1⁄2 inch
190.5 mm
Used in North America outside of New England and Eastern Canada.
1.6 inch1:7.57 1⁄4, 7 1⁄2 inch
190.5 mm
1.6in=1ft. Used in the USA, often finer-scale.
2 inch1:67 1⁄4, 7 1⁄2, 9, 10, 12, 14 inch
Narrow gauge for 7 1⁄4 and 7 1⁄2 inch gauge.
2.5 inch1:57 1⁄4, 7 1⁄2, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15 inch
Narrow gauge for 7 1⁄4 and 7 1⁄2 inch gauge.
3 inch1:412, 14, 15 inch
3.75 inch1:3.1257 1⁄4, 7 1⁄2 inch
Narrow gauge for 7 1⁄4 and 7 1⁄2 inch gauge.
4 inch1:315, 16 inch
5 inch1:2.415, 16, 18 inch
6 inch1:218 inch

Special thanks to Glenn Brooks, who provided information for 2 inch scale and above.

Rail Gap

See Rail expansion.

Background

From http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?3,2249399

Date: 08/08/10 08:05

Many thanks to Mike ONeill of Parker, CO for providing some general info on Live Steam track gauges. In the United States and Canada, no one could ever come together and "standardize" on what certain scale gauges should really be, which was unfortunate. Some examples: The standard gauges as adopted by the NMRA years ago for the small live steam railroads are--- 2 1/2 inch (1/2" scale); 3 1/2 inch (3/4" scale), and 4 3/4 inch (1" scale)... In the UK and Canada, 5 inch gauge represents 1" scale...

In the Western U.S. the gauge for 1 1/2" scale is 7 1/2 inch gauge. In the Eastern U.S. the gauge for this same scale is 7 1/4 inches. The same in Canada. Neither gauge is truly correct for the scale involved. For the absolute "purist", the gauge for 1 1/2 inch scale works out to 7 1/16 inches.

This is really a shame because Live Steamers in different parts of the country are "restricted" on whose tracks they can visit and run on. Many years ago, one of the older GGLS members in Oakland, CA built an absolute stunning model of a STEAM locomotive as well as a Steeple-cab locomotive that drew power from either Overhead wire or outside 3rd rail (a 'la SN) and a large beautifully constructed wood caboose. His name was Louis Lawrence and he resided in West Oakland. However. he could ONLY operate his beautiful creations in his own backyard. Why ?? Because for some strange reason he built them with a track gauge of 6 3/8 inches.

The track gauge on Erich Thomsen's "Redwood Valley Railroad" was originally 12 inches before he enlarged it to the current 15 inches.

Anyway, even with early-day intervention by some of the IBLS secretaries, the gauge drama still lingers on. If you are a Live Steam hobbyist, you RUN where you can.

Cheers.
KEN SHATTOCK
Secretary
North American Region
International Brotherhood of Live Steamers

Model Rail Types

This is a survey of historic and existing rail form factors and their suppliers. If you have data to contribute to this survey please contact Daris Nevil.

  • Buddy-L Rail
    • For 3/4 inch scale - 5/8 inch high - steel, rolled by Bethlehem Steel Co
  • Cannonball Rail
    • For 1-1/2 inch scale - "Standard" - 1 inch high, 7/16 inch wide head, 1/8 inch wide web, 3/4 inch wide foot, length 10 foot, aluminum
    • For 1-1/2 inch scale - "West Coast" - 1 inch high, 1/2 inch wide head, 15/16 inch wide foot, length 10 foot, aluminum
  • Culp Rail
    • Peter Nuskey, a machinist in Pennsylvania, has been offering Culp Rail (a 1/8 scale aluminum model of Pennsylvania Railroad’s 115lb steel rail) for over 40 years, as of 2012.
    • 1-1/2 inch scale rail 0.825 inch high – 10 foot lengths – 6061T6 Aluminum
    • 3/4 inch scale rail 0.625 inch high – 10 foot lengths
    • LGB rail 0.335 inch high – 10 foot lengths
  • L S Rail
    • Aluminum 6063-T5, 1.5 Scale LS Rail, 10 foot lengths
  • Real Trains
    • For 1 inch scale - 0.500 inch high, 0.234 inch wide head, 0.457 inch wide foot - 6061T6 Aluminum
    • For 1-1/2 inch scale - 0.891 inch high, 0.369 inch wide head, 0.750 inch wide foot - 6061T6 Aluminum
    • For 3" scale - 1.500 inch high, 0.600 inch wide head, 1.200 inch wide foot - 6061T6 Aluminum
  • RMI Railworks
    • For 1-1/2 inch scale - 1 inch high - 6061T6 aluminum and steel
  • West Coast
    • 1 inch high, 1/2 inch wide head, 15/16 inch wide foot
  • George Pruitt's "Groovy Rail"
    • Does not require fasteners
  • Live Steamer Parts LLC
    • For 1 inch scale - 5/8 inch tall 5/8 inch foot, with 1/4 inch railhead, 8-1/2 foot lengths
  • Grand Scale Rail
Glenn Brooks wrote:
Regarding rail, over the past 100 years, 8# (8 pound) rail was common during the early 1900’s, but has largely been replaced with 12# rail. Nowadays 6 kg rail (13.2#) is the most prevalent size rail produced by rail suppliers.

Tie Spacing

See Also:

Rail Profiles

ASCE Rail Profile for 10020 rail

Supplementary Information

Turnouts

Grades

From Large-scale Model Railroading, page 52:

On curves, there is more resistance or drag to the train. For this reason, grades should be reduced when a curve is involed. Using prototype figures as a guideline, we find that our grades should be reduced as follows:
  • 1/2 percent on a 125 foot radius
  • 3/4 percent on a 75 foot radius
  • 1 percent on a 60 foot radius
  • 1-1/4 percent on a 50 foot radius
  • 1-1/2 percent on a 40 foot radius

Elevated Track

See Elevated Track.

Bibliography

  • "Mini-Rail News - Track Standards", Lewis Soibelman, Live Steam Magazine, Mar 1991

References