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Narrow Gauge Track Specification - AVR

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by W.Williams, Nov 13, 2019.

  1. W.Williams

    W.Williams Well-Known Member

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    The Alford Valley Railway (AVR) in Aberdeenshire are looking to get the track back to a reasonable condition as I understand it. Iv pitched in my support through advice but I need some help.

    Is there a generally accepted standard for narrow gauge track specification?

    My initial thought was 16”-24” ballast depth with sleepers spaced at 18”.

    Is that right? What do the other narrow gauge lines use?
     
    W.Williams, Nov 13, 2019
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  2. Steve

    Steve Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    Have you got shares in a ballast supplier? ;) Have a look at RSP5 (https://webarchive.nationalarchives...ssets/pdf_file/0015/2634/rsp005-minorrail.pdf) and, in particular clause 46. Sleeper spacing is dependent on axles loads and rail sizes but the usual spacing is 2'-6". As a narrow gauge railway they really need to develop their own standards for track and wheel profiles and, if interchangeability of stock is envisaged, it is sensible to adopt a common standard rather than be unique.
     
    Steve, Nov 13, 2019
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    W.Williams and ross like this.
  3. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

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    I suppose that much depends on what they are planning to run on it.
     
    Martin Perry, Nov 14, 2019
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  4. johnofwessex

    johnofwessex Resident of Nat Pres

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    What about aproaching some other 2ft guage lines? The Leadhills & Wanlockhead looks like a similar operation to yours?
     
    johnofwessex, Nov 14, 2019
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  5. Ploughman

    Ploughman Part of the furniture

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    Does that ballast depth include the formation or not?
    On the NYMR we usually opt for approx 150mm / 6 inch of ballast below the sleeper.
    More in some places depending on local conditions, but 16 inch is a bit much.
     
    Ploughman, Nov 14, 2019
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  6. W.Williams

    W.Williams Well-Known Member

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    Thanks everyone for the feedback, just what I needed.

    As we can see I just picked some numbers out of thin air as I really wasn’t sure where to start.
     
    W.Williams, Nov 14, 2019
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