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building a classification yard

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  • Member since
    February 2015
  • 6 posts
building a classification yard
Posted by Pastor Ben on Friday, January 5, 2018 3:04 PM

looking on specifics on how to build a classification yard. I need help on what kind of turn outs to use. My area is roughly 2'x4', DCC equipped track.

  • Member since
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  • From: California - moved to North Carolina 2018
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Posted by DSchmitt on Friday, January 5, 2018 4:33 PM

What scale?  Is the 2x4 the layout size or space for yard?

I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.

I don't have a leg to stand on.

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  • From: Shenandoah Valley
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Posted by BigDaddy on Friday, January 5, 2018 6:06 PM

Welcome to the forum.  That is not a very big space if we are talking HO.

Ken Patterson publishes 2 varieties of What's Neat videos on you tube.  On the January monthly edition he looks at the space saving of Micro Engineering yard #5 turnouts.  The company webpage looks like it hasn't been updated in years and does not mention the product.

#4 turnouts might work with transition era equipment, but not modern longer cars.  I believe Peco turnouts are shorter than Atlas or Walthers, of course you can alway shorten the turnouts.

 

 
 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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  • From: Miles City, Montana
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Posted by FRRYKid on Friday, January 5, 2018 7:16 PM

If you don't have one already, get yourself a copy of Track Planning for Realistic Operation by John Armstrong. I got a copy myself based on a suggestion when I was trying to design a yard for my layout. I found it quite useful. It took a couple of designs but I have a design that I think will work.

"The only stupid question is the unasked question."
Brain waves can power an electric train. RealFact #832 from Snapple.
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    November 2007
  • From: California
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Posted by HO-Velo on Saturday, January 6, 2018 12:14 PM

Another good resource for yard planning & construction is the Kalmbach book; The Model Railroader's Guide to Freight Yards by Andy Sperandeo, and IMO a good read as well.

Regards, Peter

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    June 2007
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Posted by riogrande5761 on Saturday, January 6, 2018 3:58 PM

Is it even possible to build a classification yard in HO in 2x4 feet?  Maybe a small area with some industrial sidings.

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

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Posted by kasskaboose on Saturday, January 6, 2018 8:07 PM

Also somethings to consider:

1. Length of cars

2. Location (if important)

3. How large is that yard compared to the rest of your layout?

There are a ton of questions/factors to consider.  I'd also suggest reading Jeff Wilson's book about model trains. That's agreat intro book.  There are a ton of issues to consider well-before starting to worry about a yard.  While only my 2nd layout, pls avoid falling into my trap of focusing on operating before researching.

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