Hi
On my layout Im devising a way to use my space in the best way, right now i have a run around track, and now im thinking about a double track mainline partially on my layout to also be a run around, my run around now is just not working 
Any thoughts?
Tommy Single
I’m having a hard time picturing why it wouldn’t work. Do you have a pic or something you could post?
The problem is that it is part of the mine and some trains, like my locals have issues getting by the mine, and im think something needs to change.
Just like the real thing lol. What are the issues in getting by?Clearance or the fact cars are in the way?
That, and its not really that fun to operate
So, if I’m understanding right, the runaround isn’t fun to operate. i’m guessing you mean it is difficult to can’t uncouple cars back there, right? Well, you could A)move the run around a little further down, or B) (which I don’t recomend unless desperation) move the mine back.
Do you have an NMRA guage? If you use that you’ll be able to tell if it’s a car or two thats the problem or if the building clearences are the issue. Can the buildings move just a bit to clear the offending cars, or maybe the footings on them be thinned?
I agree with Packers there. Maybe move the run around to a better location. But ight now it is Prototype lol. We have a few locations like that.
Back where I am from the Rock/Iowa Interstate had a run around near the end of track of the old RIS branch into southwest Rock Island. It was over by the dog park if your looking.However it wasnt needed any more after Steel Warehouse moved in at the end of said track and placed its own run around. That being said it is usually full of cars to be loaded or unloaded and the crew usually shoves back to downown Milan to use the run around there.
The good thing about model railroads is,it doesnt cost a fortune in buying land and paying guys to put in track,and if you dont like its placement you can change it quick and easy.Us on the prototypes though just have to live withit and find tricks that mke the job easier.
First, I would concentrate your switching to an area that you can more easily reach.
Second, I would make the run-around track longer, so it can accommodate a longer cut of cars, maybe 10 cars and an engine.
Third, I would add a switch in the run-around track so the stone loader has it’s own siding. That way, your cars spotted there aren’t in the way of trains using the run-around.
Lee
Lee, those are great ideas. I wonder if he has the room for that?
After messing around with some track i came up with this, thus getting rid of the runaround at the mine, and adding a industry track on the side, Im happy with this for now. I do have NRMA gauge.
Great ideas, i will try them but the longer runaround is questionable, also with that the bachmann ez track power pick up is going as soon as i wire my layout with DCC