Standard Gauge ???

Bob,  Maintaining the spacing  is the easiest method using sectional track. There is one place on my layout that I transitioned to tighter track center due to space constraints. Making transitions without "S" curves is difficult and takes space. I went from 5" Centers to 7.5" centers in 6 feet. Waterman locos are BIG! leaving everything at 7.5 is probably better. 10 is a safe  bet for tunnels.

Bob, Before I permanently attach track to the layout I use my longest cars to check clearances and then leave a little more room just in case. I ended up using 7” centers. Jim Waterman posts on here so maybe he can provide info on clearances for his locos.

Congratulations on your retirement and keep us posted on the layout progress.

I can bring a couple of beasts and run tests.

Steve

@CP BOB posted:

Hi,  Now that I am retitred, I am redoing my Standard gauge layout.

I just ordered 87 curves from Kirk so I can maintain a 7 1/4 spacing on curves.

Do I need to maintain this spacing on straights? I do not own any modern Waterman engines, but hope to get one someday. My friend Steve Eastman has several and I would like it if he could run these without issues. Also, is 10 inches a safe height for tunnels?

Thanks,

Bob

You don't need 7-1/4" spacing on straights, with the exception of coming into and out of curves.  Check your long-overhang steamers against your longest passenger cars.  And watch for overhang at the back of the cab, too.

I think that 10" is sufficient for tunnel height, but don't be like one moron I know who checked it without putting track under the engines he tested it with.  I won't say who it was, but I got to rebuild things after his mistakes. 

Based on videos that Steve Eastman has posted, I think he has plenty of stuff to test with.

And congrats on getting wide curves from USA track.

Thanks everyone for the info. The train table is only 6 feet wide for the straight section and 8 feet wide for the curves. I was trying to cheat on the straights.  2 loops, 87 on the outside and 72 inside. Thinking about building placement and accessories. I'm thinking of adding 6 more inches to the width and I can maintain 7 1/4 spacing.  How do the Lionel Showroom cars compare with the width of the Waterman cars?

Thanks,

Bob