You do not have to use the track mat supplied with a starter set, ultimately, it's your layout and how you play with...
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What is the correct spacing to use between two parallel tracks in N gauge?
In real life, the distance between parallel track centres differs depending on factors such as when the track was laid, where the track was laid, line speed and the surrounding infrastructure. Most standard UK railway lines have a distance of between 3.5m and 4m from the track centre of one track to the track centre of a parallel track.
When laying N gauge track, it is a good idea to use a Way Gauge. A Way Gauge is an inexpensive plastic gauging tool with tabs that slot between the rails to assist with parallel track laying. It has tabs relating to both Setrack and Streamline track variations and will ensure that your trackwork is positioned correctly to marry up with crossovers and points etc.
The Streamline setting on the gauge will deliver a distance of 26.5mm between track centres (scaled up that equates to halfway between the 3.5m and 4m real-life norm) and the Setrack setting will provide a distance of 35mm between track centres (a scaled-up equivalent of 5.1m).
The Setrack measurement may seem far removed from the prototype, but the greater gap is necessary to ensure rolling stock doesn't collide on the tight radius curves evident on Setrack layouts.
Posted in: Tracks
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