Diesel Engine Servicing Platforms

[RedLeader]

Hey guys,

I would like a diesel engine servicing platform in my rather compact yard. I've destined only two tracks for this purpose (about 18" of straight track) with a modern engine house at the end. Can you give any ideas on how this should be done to look real and nice. I model modern era (70's and 80's) ATSF. I've got some Geeps a couple of snoots and a couple of u-boats.

Do I need more straight section, that'll be difficult due to space restrictions. I have a sanding tower, a couple of fuel cranes and a diesel storage tank. What else should I add? and how does it works?

Thanks[:)]

[jwar]

Hi Red
You might consider a servicing platform at the sand tower. this permits sanding as they water and fuel the unit. An inspection pit under the locomotive. Also a sunken walkway extends to each side to permit railroad machinist to change out brake shoes, adjust brake travel and the inpectors to look for defects, wheels, rigging, loose bolts ect. This permits employeys to walk under the service ramp. You could also do this in your modern engine facility.

The plat form could be between your two engine servicing leads. What may look prettly cool is that to have the sunken walkway alongside the rail, outside of the engine, the rail itself would be elevated on somthig like concreat post every few feet. These areas get grubby real quick and easy to wash down with a pressure hose.
I hope this helps....John

[tstage]

Red,

Kalmbach makes a reference book called, The Model Railroader's Guide To Locomotive Servicing Terminals by Marty McGurik (ISBN: 0-89024-414-6). It covers both steam and diesel facilities. I just picked it up recently. Has some great pictures and plenty of information. You should be able to find it at a LHS - i.e. if you have one with a good library of books.

Hope that helps.

Tom

[Pennsy58]

As long as you include devices to sand the engines, fuel the engines and maybe some kind of walkway for servicing acess you would be good to go. You can refer to photos or use your imagination. In real life I've seen quite a variety from a large walkway and servicing track to a small concrete pad with fuel pipes and sand tower.