have just one track leading to it or two? A friend has suggested that I might want to have an approach and a departure track, and I’m wondering how common the practice is. This would be two individual tracks that terminate next to each other at the turntable. I realize there is the space consideration, but assuming you have the space, do you have more than one?
JaRRell
Depends on what you want to do with the turntable. Is it situated in a mountain pass and just used to turn Helpers or is it part of an engine servicing facility? Kalmbach has a book out on Engine facilities I would recommend. Two approaches would be advised if you have a fueling or water facility on one lead,so the TT could be used by another engine if the lead is blocked. Also I think there were different practices for individual RRs.
reklein is right. Also, the busier a terminal would be, the more likely a second track would be.
Thanks for the insight. I had not thought of an engine sitting there refueling and thus blocking the track to the engine service facilities. Good point. Guess I’ll have to move the caboose storage track somewhere else. I was thinking about using that second track for that purpose.
JaRRell
Yeah, it would be best, and also advantageous in the real world, JaRRell, in your case. Also, don’t forget the double-railed section of track beside the TT that houses the nested spare wheelsets. Somewhat rusted, all of it, of course.