Hey guys, I need some help with my ethanol plant switching design. I can’t figure out how to design it so that I don’t fowl the main line while switching my ethanol plant.
I have two tracks for loads and empties, and another track for the plant switcher. I can’t move the loads and empties track down to allow space for the switcher.
Do I need a tail track, or what is the best way to set this up?
Here is the plant layout:
On a real plant that has a plant switcher, they would have a tail track. I can’t tell from your plan which track is a main track, which tracks can be moved so I can’t tell where the tail track should go. If you want to fil all three tracks to the brim then the tail track will have to be about twice the length of your longest track. If you will only half fill most of the tracks, then you can make the tail as long as your longest track.
Dave,
The main is coming off of the curve on the left, I have two mains, on outer main and inter-loop main. So I have to keep the two loads/empties tracks below that main. But I can’t move those tracks low enough to give my local plant switcher without fowling the main. I plan to switch 1-3 cars per loading until all the empties are now full, and then the mainline train to pick up the loaded cars.
Here is the full layout plan:
Thanks!
Michael
Move the both the tracks one switch length down on the lead toward the grade crossing. Put in on left hand switch in the lead between the loa/empty tracks and the inner main. run the lead Through the area labeled forest.
David,
Can you draw it for me? I don’t have any room for the load/empty tracks to move, because of the processing center. And the lead, huh?
Change the two switches by the forest around so the tail track is the figure 8 loop . Double track the mountain tunnel and you can run two trains while you switch the ethanol plant.
I can’t, the two main loops track is already in place. I wanted to be able to run a train on the outer loop, and the figure 8 loop while switching the ethanol plant.
I may just deal with it, and just be creative/cautious during the plant switching.
Change is a beautiful thing. If you don’t like it when you finish it you’ll rip the whole thing apart. Change a little section now and make it do what you want.
LOL change… sure. Is that my only option here? There’s no way to figure this out? Come on expert layout people, there has to be an easier solution!
Thanks!
Michael
Change is mandatory. Struggle is optional.
But you often can decide which change you will make. You can possibly do something like this (if curve radii and elevations and whatever works out:
Stein
hi Motley,
Do you have a clue how much you are asking. Before you design anything you’ll have to think hard about the traffic flow.
Imagine a train with 10 cars filled with ethanol arrives (from where, east or west, from the yard?) from the east. The engineer has to park his ten cars somewhere and then pull the waiting 10 empty cars (unloaded yesterday) and park them somewhere too. Then our switcher can push the loads in. Five on the delivery track and 5 to a “waiting” track. Later in the day the switcher comes back from the yard to swap the 5 cars that are unloaded yet for the 5 cars waiting. Beside the tail track (10 cars + an engine) you will need two parking tracks each ten cars long.
SWITCHING INDEPENDEND FROM THE MAIN TAKES A LOT OF SPACE.
This is the kind of druthers you should make very clear before you start designing and building.
But is this really needed? When you operate from the yard, switching the ethanol plant will take some quick moves only. Just let a switcher pull the unloaded cars and bring them into the yard. The main isn’t blocked now for a long time; and then push the loads in. You will just have to hold your hotshot in a station for a couple of minutes.
BTW I never understood the difference in track-spacing you applied. In one yard tracks are pretty close (2 inches?) and everywhere else you have 4 inches of spacing.
More important however; be prepared to change. No layout have been build without it.
Paul
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Thanks Paul and Stein!
I think I will be OK then, I will perform the moves that you described Paul. It actually sounds like a more challenging operating then just running trains in circles while I switch the ethanol plant.
As far as track spacing, I’m using RTS and I couldn’t figure out how to import the #6 switches, so my diagram is not completely accurate, but has been basically working out OK during track laying, I’ve only had to adjust a few things here and there.
If you aren’t willing to change the physical arrangement then why did you ask for suggestions on how to change the physical arrangement?
Hi Motley
In RTS go to: element / load library / HO-scale / code 83
It’s all in the files; you don’t have to import or do anything.
Or you start with RTS 8.0 (in programfiles) and you 'll see the HO-scale option.
Paul
Thanks Paul, I’ve been trying to figure that out for 3 months! LOL Doooooooooh
Michael