How far apart should a railroad siding be from the main track?

Question

We have an existing track and want to build a siding for loading and unloading freight.

Answer 1

There are variables at play.

Assuming you are in the US, there are statute minimums, depending on if the adjacent track is main line, industrial track, yard track or siding.

The exterior width of most freight cars in the US are 10'6", or 5'3" from the center line. So, for yard tracks, minimum is between 15 to 18 feet. I don't know the exact number, but this is close.

Obviously main line trackage with its higher speed and often times having excessive dimension loads traveling over them require more minimum distance.

There are sections of "double track" main line where two trains carrying excess dimension loads cannot meet account insufficient clearance.

You will need to contract with a company to actually build your spur track and they of course will be aware of minimums involved.

So, you'll need a little room and a lot of cash. Good luck!

Answer 2

in the uk, as with laying any track whether main, baranch or siding you would have to follow the standard gauges so that it didnt interfere with other trains, this clearence called the 6 foot is normally about 5 foot ish. If you are to have people unloading they would need to be in a position of safety away from other trains so the siding should really be fenced from the main line unless you are unloading onto a structure or platfrom. If you want this fro modelling it depends what gauge you are modelling in, but is easy to work out. CJ Freesed did a good book on this

Answer 3

Contact the owner of the railroad, or a civil engineering consulting company that has experience with railroad structures.

You will need clearance space for the turnout (switch), as well as any buildings that you intend to construct which will have access to your siding.

Answer 4

far enough to load and unload material without being in others way

Answer 5

47.564 mm.