Compound Ladder

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I have seen plans for #6 compound ladders, but never for other #'d turnouts. Has anyone done one with Atlas #4’s? I presume it can be done, though may have to use flex track between the turnouts. Any experience, comments or thoughts appreciated.

Thank you,

Richard

2

Unless you’re only running 4 axle diesels and short cars, you’d end up with “S” curves that will cause you grief if you try to run longer cars or steam locomotives.

3

hi

a compound yard is a space saver; it can be done with #4 switches as well. The lower numbered switches will limit the use of longer cars and engines; 50 feet cars and 4-axel diesels or small steamers will not have problems.

Paul

4

Here’s a ladder comparison I drew up some time ago, and I think I used Atlas #4s (darned old CRS syndrome!)

I have no experience actually running on ladder that uses #4s, but I would assume longer equiplment will have problems as noted above.

5

Thank you for the responses.

I am modeling the transition era, so no really long cars or big locos. However, unless space is really a major issue, will try #6’s to reduce frustration. If I do concider #4’s I won’t totally secure them until I have done more than a few test runs.

Thanks again,

Richard

6

I just built one with 3 tracks on the side and found that the PECO 3 way switch worked great and takes up very little space.

7

Have a couple of those. Was thinking of using them elsewhere, but will see where they work best. Still in early planning stages so have plenty of time for trial and error.

Thanks,

Richard

8

What about #5s.

Brent

9

Richard

Thanks for asking your question. It gave me pause to go back and look at my yard ladders. I had designed them with Peco small radius turnouts and at the time I was concerned about the inherent ‘S’ curves when I set it up. So, after reading your post, I went back and changed the small turnouts to medium and discovered that I lost very little space in the process. I had to space the yard tracks about 1/4" further apart to do this but that was easily accomodated. I am modeling the late 50’s so I can avoid anything longer than 50’. I feel much more confident in my future yard operations thanks to you and the responses you garnered.

Dave

10

Dave,

That’s the great thing about these forums, you can learn by seeing other folks questions and the answers they get. Sometimes you don’t even know that there was such a question, but there’s the question and answer to something you are coming to soon in your layout building.

Hope you will be happy with your new configuration.

Have fun,

Richard

11

My current storage yard looks just like the diagram on the right only with #6 turnouts. I would like to change it to reflect the diagram on the left but with 5 tracks coming off the mainline instead of the 4 tracks shown in the diagram. Where on the track diagram would I install one additional turnout to accomplish this 5-track arrangement?

Thanks.

Rich

12

You could probably build a straight #4 ladder in the same space as a #6 compund ladder.

13

Two reasons for me not to do that. One, I already have the #6 turnouts. Two, from past experience, the #4 turnouts are too tight on the divergent route, and I will never use #4’s again.

14

I don’t have access to 3rdPlanIt right now, but the turnout for the 5th yard track would go roughly here:

15

Each of the seven tracks of the stub ended compound ladder on the left has access to every other track via double slip switches and lengthy enough track to stre eight freight cars. The overhead loop of the main line is connected to the compound ladder with two curved lengthy drill tracks, so that the switcher never has to tie up the mainline. Bob Hahn

16

If your doing the transition era I would HIGHLY suggest you use the #6 turnouts unless you are not going to run anything larger than a Consolidation. I think even a Mikado would have trouble through the S-curves that you would have when using the #4 switches. I have never tried the #4 compound ladder and it is just an opinion but I wouldn’t use anything that tight.

I am running #8’s on anything that I can that will see my large locomotives or using the straight part of a #6 turnout when possible for those areas.

Tom

17

If your doing the transition era I would HIGHLY suggest you use the #6 turnouts unless you are not going to run anything larger than a Consolidation. I think even a Mikado would have trouble through the S-curves that you would have when using the #4 switches. I have never tried the #4 compound ladder and it is just an opinion but I wouldn’t use anything that tight.

I am running #8’s on anything that I can that will see my large locomotives or using the straight part of a #6 turnout when possible for those areas.

Tom

18

Thanks, everyone.

O’Dave, that’s exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

It is amazing how much additional usable track space you can pick up by using a compound ladder rather than a simple ladder.

Rich

19

You’re welcome. One thing to keep in mind about compound ladders is that they’re not seen on the prototype very often. One reason for this, I read, is that the brakeman would have to keep crossing the tracks to line the switches, which becomes a safety issue. But on the model, sometimes compromises to the prototype look can buy you a lot more operations - it’s a balancing game.

20

One of NS’s largest hump yards, Brosnan Yard is located just up the road from me (Macon Ga.) and has a compound ladder construction to the yard. More information can be found at the link below.

http://www.georgiarailfan.net/macon.htm