I just realized I never seen a switch back on a layout. Why is that? Could it be an alternative to the ubiquitous helix? I guess it really comes down to space, I imagine it would take a lot space to fit in a switch back in any scale except N. Thoughts?
John
I have one half built, based on the Western Maryland’s Chaffee Branch, which included a switchback as it worked its way up from the Potomac River valley to Vindex, location of the switchback, and on up to Manor Mine. The grade in some parts was 5%, with some stretches approaching 9%. It’s where the Big 6, the largest and last Shay built, lived.
Mine is somewhat shorter, and not yet installed on the layout, though.
Lee
I have one in the pre-benchwork stage.
This plan is not how the the trackwork ended up in the towns, but shows the climb in elevation. The switchback runs along the two longest walls at a 4% incline.
I have one planned for my future branchline although it is not a mainline switchback. The branchline climbs a steep grade to Summit Station before descending down to its terminus. From Summit Station, there will be a switchback up to a large sawmill operation . The switchback will move a handful of cars downgrade to Summit Station into a small yard where the branchline local can pick up the loads and drop off the empties.
There’s a couple videos on Youtube of On30 switch backs in operation.
I was wondering the other day if it’s possible to completely automate a switch back?
No reason why you couldn’t automate a switchback. I have a CTI system, and it would be easy to do. The kicker is that if you are using DCC, your DCC system has to be able to connect to a computer so it can run the locos. If you are using DC, CTI has a computer controlled Cab control module.
A friend of mine has a switchback on his layout (HO) and it was no more than 4 feet from switchback end to switchback end. He uses a shay to take a few logging cars to the summit. It’s also a nice segment of his layout. A small bridge was cleaverly built using oak tree twigs. It looks like the switchback from the 1:1 tourist layout at the state RR museum in Cass West Virginia.
I had several switch backs on my original 4 X 8 logging RR that was posted with photos in the Mouse’s 4 X 8 contest.
Peter Smith, Memphis
Set the WABAC machine for December 1965…
Model Railroader had a project railroad called the Sierra Pintada that was all switchback. It was an L shape except both sides of the L were about the same length (maybe half an X?). A mainline ran along the front edge but didn’t run anywhere. A branch line launched up from a wye in the middle and did a double switchback up to a ore mine, crossing over itself.
Here’s a link to the magazine index on the TRAINS mag site. The cover shows the layout.
http://index.mrmag.com/tm.exe?opt=I&MAG=MR&MO=12&YR=1965&output=6&sort=D
I was a teenager at the time and for some reason the track plan just impressed me - probably because it was somewhat unique. I built the mine tipple that was in a later article and added it to my layout of the day. I still have it after all these years- a bit battered though from many moves.
George V.
I have two, but don’t have photos that encompass their lengths and show how they fit in. That is one of the problems with them, or that can be a problem…they take up linear length their own way, much like a turning wye does.
But, I wouldn’t be without one.
-Crandell
Speaking of switchbacks in MR, they once had a project layout called the Cripple Creek Central which had a switchback to get to a gravel quarry. Wonder what’s happened to the layout…
A previous note on switchbacks on this forum, which I can’t remember, but one note the person mentioned was the very small amount of slope on the part of the switchback after the switch where the train backs into, and the train waits until the switch was thrown and then proceeds up the hill(or down) he was concerned this waiting area must have a very shallow slope, nothing like the grade up(or down) the hill, it sort of makes sense as there would be a lot of weight pushing the train, hence the shallow slope. does anyone remember this post???
I have one on my logging branch.
I only run 2 car trains on the branch so the lead on the switchback is only 2 cars and a loco long.
It runs automatically using a PICAXE chip I programmed myself.
I think a switchback on a mainline would drive you as crazy as it did the real railroad operators.
cheers
Wow! Most layouts have switchbacks, particularly in areas serving industries. Overdone, in my opinion.
OK, OK, I bet you’re thinking of this method of gaining altitude to reach a higher point in a short distance or to avoid building a tunnel. That’s not commonly modeled. It takes a lot of space because the train lengths are limited by the “tail” of each switchback. It was avoided by railroads unless it was the “last solution.”
Mark
I don’t model switchbacks, but having ridden the logging run in Cass, WV on multiple occasions, I think it would be interesting to model if one had the space. Switchbacks obviously limit the length of the consist, but, on the other hand, so does the grade.
It turns out that both the Ferrocarril Central Del Peru (FCCP) and the Cerro de Pasco Railroad used switchbacks extensively on their lines. They also ran oxbows up one side of a valley, crossed the valley, and then looped back on the far side to rejoin the grade when it was necessary. All things considered, these things do take up room as I mentioned in my earlier post. But their utility is well established, and they were not uncommon.
Switchbacks would look quite good on a rising and long bank at the back of a shallow bench.
Back in the 60’s Chuck Yungkurth had a article in MR in the 60’s about his Gump Stump and Snowshoe which was If I remember correctly a 2’x 6’ layout with the switchback to an upper level. He did include this into a larger layout ala John Allen with his original Gorre & Daphetid.
Rick
On my Chaffee Branch, I’m following the prototype in that only five loaded cars can be brought down the hill at a time, and the locomotive always had to be on the downhill end of the train. That requires not only a switchback, but a run-around track as well.
The mine at the top can hold 15 cars, so it’ll keep an operator busy for a little while…
Lee
Great photo. Intentional or not, I love how the gray wall makes the sky feel ominous. An imminent storm is a neat idea that could make any layout more dramatic.
I’m trying to get some more info on a switchback in N.Calif. that came out of a tunnel onto a curved massive wooden trestle, it was gigantic, now wouldn’t that be a treat to model??? Also what is the proper term where the train actually waits for the switch to be thrown? “lead” or “tail” or what other term is used??