I need to finalize the track plan for the main classification yard on my layout as I plan to start laying the track soon. The yard is designed with two yard lead tracks to allow two operators to work two different groups of classification tracks without interfering with each others train movements. The current track plan has a loco run-around at the end of the two yard lead tracks. I was wondering whether that would ever be seen in a protoype railroad? useful? stupid?
Many prototype yards have a ‘runner’ to get aroud trains when needed. If there is no room for a dedicated runner, it would be common to try and leave one fo the class tracks open for that purpose.
This is a place where the ability of your track planning software to run trains may be of use. Why not do some yard simulations and then decide? If you find a track useful, chances are the prototype would too.
If this is a single ended yard, I’d definately want an escape track with the switch lead. When bringing a train into the yard from the trailing point direction, you can proceed to the switch lead, drop the train there and proceed via the escape track to get to the engine service area.
Here are images of the current yard plan which show the E/W bound mainline tracks, two arrival/departure tracks, two yard lead tracks, eight classification tracks, locomotive and car service terminals, etc.
A runner track is needed in most yards and some large yards have two,one going from the inbound yard to the engine service area and the other from the engine service outbound tracks to the outbound yard tracks.
