What is an interchange?

[Anonymous]

I'm running two different railroads and would like to make this as realistic as possible. So what is an interchange? Is it a freightyard where the tow different railraods can switch onto mainline tracks? Or where frieght cars are switched to a different railroad? I'm just getting started so I need some help.

[Anonymous]

An interchange is were two or more railroads connect to pick up or drop of cars from another railroad to bring it to its destination, there is a great layout in the February 2002 model railroader the Chillicothe Subdivision you can get alot of information from, its probably available on backorder if you check, its a great mainline interchange
Chris

[orsonroy]

This year's Model Railroad Planning has a large section on interchanges. I think copies are still available direct from Kalmbach.

Interchanges are any place two or more railroads swap freight cars for routing to their final destination. The most simple interchanges are those where two railroads cross at grade. The two roads will have one siding that connects both mainlines, which is long enough for a few freight cars. If the interchange volume is big enough, the "siding" will really grow, to several tracks, sometimes including it's own RIP track, runaround, and sometimes even it's own enginehouse for a dedicated switcher! (in the older steam days, anyway)

[Anonymous]

What is a RIP?

[Anonymous]

RIP = Repair In Place. Basic repairs that don't require a shop are done on that track.

But yeah, an interchange is where two (sometimes more) railroads are connected to exchange cars. They can range from a simple siding, up to a full size yard in some cases.

---jps

[DSchmitt]

There does not have to be a siding. Just a connecting track where a few cars can be set out for pickup by the other railroad.

There are also junctions where two lines connect. Where the junction is between two railroads it is often, but not always, an interchange.

Binney Junction in Marysville CA was listed as an interchange in 1958 between the SP and the WP. I don't know if it was still considered an interchange in the 1980's, but never saw any interchange take place there. However when the Inside Gateway was shut down WP trains transfered to/from the SP line there. Because of the configuration of the junction, at that time, the WP trains had to back-up.

I once saw an empty SP ballast train go onto the WP line there. It was going to a quarry on the WP in the Oroville area.

[Anonymous]

I appreciate all your ideas. this is my first larger railroad, and I look forward to seeking ya'lls knowledge.