When ballasting, does the freight yard have gullies between tracks like the main lines?
Not on my layout. Nor in the local yard.
Somewhat, but not as severe… and it may vary depending upon the nature of the freight yard. The driving forces are: (1) the RR is interested in maintaining the drainage from the track, (2) The safety and convenience of employees that have to walk around the yard has to be considered. Whether the yard is a “hump” yard or one where crews were often on foot “pulling pins” and connecting air hoses may make a difference in the grading.
Most that I have seen have areas between the tracks slightly lower, but usually not the steep ditches that can be sometimes found between main line tracks. I guess the best suggestion would be to visit an operating yard and take a look.
Bill
The correct term is a ballast shoulder, ballasting is there to hold track work in place and keep it from shifting under the heavy weight of a train while moving at fast speeds. The reasons for a ballast shoulder are it’s piled and compacted so it will hold heavier weight with less movement. drainage is mainly accomplished by the tapering of the ground on either side of the tracks but also by the ballast shoulders as well. So in areas such as yards or sidings where trans move very very slow or the tracks are only used maybe a few times per week or month rail sidings for business ballast shoulders are not needed. Railroads did every thing with cost in mind if it wasn’t absolutely needed they didn’t do it.
I appreciate the quick and good answers. Today I was putting down my WS trackbed and got to the yard area and had to ask the question before I went any further. It ended up the the track in the yard was 2" apart centerline to centerline (HO) and the trackbed didn’t create a shoulder which worked out good. Thank you again.