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Loco run-around on classification yard lead tracks?

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  • Member since
    June 2014
  • From: East Central Florida
  • 480 posts
Loco run-around on classification yard lead tracks?
Posted by Onewolf on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 8:29 AM

I need to finalize the track plan for the main classification yard on my layout as I plan to start laying the track soon.  The yard is designed with two yard lead tracks to allow two operators to work two different groups of classification tracks without interfering with each others train movements.  The current track plan has a loco run-around at the end of the two yard lead tracks.  I was wondering whether that would ever be seen in a protoype railroad? useful? stupid?

Thanks for any comments/suggestions.

Modeling an HO gauge freelance version of the Union Pacific Oregon Short Line and the Utah Railway around 1957 in a world where Pirates from the Great Salt Lake founded Ogden, UT.

- Photo album of layout construction -

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 9:19 AM

 Many prototype yards have a 'runner' to get aroud trains when needed. If there is no room for a dedicated runner, it would be common to try and leave one fo the class tracks open for that purpose.

                                           --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    August 2013
  • From: Richmond, VA
  • 1,890 posts
Posted by carl425 on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 10:14 AM

This is a place where the ability of your track planning software to run trains may be of use.  Why not do some yard simulations and then decide?  If you find a track useful, chances are the prototype would too.

If this is a single ended yard, I'd definately want an escape track with the switch lead.  When bringing a train into the yard from the trailing point direction, you can proceed to the switch lead, drop the train there and proceed via the escape track to get to the engine service area.

I have the right to remain silent.  By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Northeast
  • 746 posts
Posted by GraniteRailroader on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 11:20 AM

Can you post your track plan and space you have? 

Giving you an accurate answer as to if it's workable depends on many variables...

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  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 11:30 AM

GraniteRailroader
Can you post your track plan and space you have?

Granite, go back up to Onewolf's post, and click on the layout build link.  It's a huge club sized layout, in it's own new building.

Mike.

  • Member since
    June 2014
  • From: East Central Florida
  • 480 posts
Posted by Onewolf on Thursday, January 18, 2018 9:44 AM

Here are images of the current yard plan which show the E/W bound mainline tracks, two arrival/departure tracks, two yard lead tracks, eight classification tracks, locomotive and car service terminals, etc.

 

Closeup of left side

Closeup of right side:

 

Modeling an HO gauge freelance version of the Union Pacific Oregon Short Line and the Utah Railway around 1957 in a world where Pirates from the Great Salt Lake founded Ogden, UT.

- Photo album of layout construction -

  • Member since
    October 2001
  • From: OH
  • 17,574 posts
Posted by BRAKIE on Thursday, January 18, 2018 7:18 PM

A runner track is needed in most yards  and some large yards have two,one going from the inbound yard to the engine service area and the other from the engine service outbound tracks to the outbound yard tracks.

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

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