As I start to build phase 2 of my layout benchwork, I decided to modify the track plan. Here’s the original.
And here is the revised plan.
one of the reasons for the modifications was I talked the boss into another 2 feet of length on the left leg (which is phase 2). This allowed for longer yards and more room. I also wanted another crossover between the mainlines (red #1), another crossover between the mainline and the industrial area tracks (red #2) and an additional track in the yard (red #3). One thing I am struggling with is that almost everything on the left is made of long straight tracks. As I place buildings, landscaping and structures it probably won’t be as obvious. The other is that the main yard is right on a curve but I don’t have much choice if I am going for maximum length. I’ll post the benchwork pictures for phase 2 later today.
A real railroad probably would do everything to eliminate that crossing right in the center. If you could move that top track a little closer to the mains and reverse the turnout locations on the mains it would be more prototypical. I would also bring the left end of the track they go to into the diagonal tracks on the left wing a little further back closer to the top turnout along with the turnouts it connects to. Then by runnng down that track you could put a pair of engine escape turnouts so you could run around cars in that area. In other words to make it clearer from top to bottom on the diagonal would be the existing righthand turnout that goes back to the outside track through the curve followed by the crossover and lead from the horizontal track in the center of the layout followed by the righthand turnout to the siding followed by a crossiver for an engine escape. This would also leave enough room to add a third track in that area to the right for sticking cars.
Thanks. Unfortunately the left wing is the one which is completed. I agree the crossing is probably not my best idea but I am not sure I am ready to rip out anything on the left. The right wing is what is under construction right now. I am thinking of removing crossover #2 and then having the entire are look more like a yard and then use the curved track coming into the right wing as a yard lead in track. This will free the mains from yard traffic.
Your idea for getting traffic off of the yard lead is a good one, develop that. The yard should be able to be worked uninterrupted while the main carries it’s traffic. The only thing that should interrupt the yard work is an arriving or departing train. To do that you need…
Rule #2: Provide A Dedicated Lead Track
The lead is the backbone of the yard, it is the track all others either connect to or branch from. The lead should allow the switching crew complete access to all places in the yard with a minimum of effort. Because the switching crew uses the lead to “drill”, or move railcars in and out of the body tracks, the lead must be as long, or longer, than the longest yard body track. This leads to…
Rule #3: Don’t Foul The Yard Lead
Similar to rule #1. An ideal yard design calls for a yard lead with the fewest possible obstructions along with the greatest possible access to the yard as a whole. While designing or evaluating the yard design, avoid including crossovers, diamonds or other trackage arrangements that interfere with or cross the yard lead. Another thing to avoid is the temptation to use the lead for moving trains in and out of the yard by connecting it to the main at the far end. It seems like a natural thing for trains to arrive and depart via this track since it leads directly into the yard, but it is a trap that will paralyze the yard for long periods of time. Keep the lead isolated and the domain of the yard switcher only.
Rule #4: Use Arrival / Departure Tracks
A/D tracks are sidings off the main with a connection to the base of the yard lead, where trains are stored – temporarily – while they are broken down or built up. The yard switcher should be able to cross over easily from the lead, grab a cut of cars from a recently arrived train (or the whole train once road power has been cut off) from the A/D track and pull it directly onto the lead to begin classifying i
We after another month and playng with many different ideas, I’ve made a few more modifications. Here’s the latest (and likely final) version.
This version added an engine servicing area (including locomotie shop, fueling and sanding), used 3 way and slip switches to maximize space and move the mainline crossover in front of the yard lead in to allow getting off the mainline as quickly as possible. I also broke out a separate double track for intermodal operations.
