hello new here
I do not have a layout because of room space but like to build dioramas.
I was thinking of building a humpyard and would like to know if anyone has done this and how hard it would be.
Thanks for your time.
Gene
The problem with building a humpyard is the size of something that would work "decently" takes large amounts of space. Not only do you need the "hump", but also the space to slow the cars down after going down the hill to make the hitches. Also, figuring out a system to allow you to kick cars without having to reach in and uncouple each car individually may be an issue. The magnetic uncouplers can leave much to be desired, even after tweaking them.
Model railroad cars are significantly lighter then their 1:1 counterparts. A 35 ton car can keep itself on the rails after making a harder then necessary hitch 99 out of 100 times. If you slam two model boxcars together, you may end up with one or both derailing. Worse yet, one might take the plunge down to the concrete floor.
Also, your rolling stock would need to be near perfectly weighted, have perfect knuckles, be free-wheeling, etc.
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thank you for the info
I see thiers alot of work but I would like to try. If I can't doit at least I'll have fun trying
Thats the spirit!!
Good luck!
alexP
You say you have space constraints? Unless you have a LONG space, you'll have to model your hump yard in Z scale.
The one operating HO hump yard I've seen was about sixteen feet from hump to end. The hump lead was curved, and at least eight feet (along the rails) from base to top.
You MIGHT be able to squeeze the hump tower, crest, inspection pits and first set of retarders into four linear feet, for a non-operating diorama. Any cars would have to be anchored - that's the steepest part of the free-rolling side of the hump. Just the track and associated equipment would be a superdetailer's dream.
Good luck.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with flat-switched yards)