Small yard design

[hominamad]

I am currently finishing up laying track on my 5x9 layout and one area I have yet to design is my small yard area. My overall track plan is based on the Virginian layout.

I have room for maybe 3 or 4 tracks in the yard area. In this small a space, should I just plan on having yard entrances just split into the 4 yard tracks and just use for parking, or is there something more operational I should consider when planning this area?

Thanks!

H

 

[mlehman]

Generally, you want at least one runaround track. If the yard is next to an existing runaround, then you're good as far as the minimum.

It's also good to plan for an Arrival/Departure track. This is a track at least as long as you longest yard track, if possible, preferably longer. Trains can arrive and drop their train to switch/break down or your yard swicther can build trains on it by pulling cuts from the yard.  this can also be your runaround track, if you provide a way for the locos to escape if they head into the yard. If they back into the yard, not quite as important to have an escape track, but always good to think in terms of tracks that can do double duty when you're a little cramped on space anyway.

[carknocker1]

It depends on the purpose of your yard . From what you said your plan is based on the Virginian layout so your yard is going to handle local and branch line traffic . So I would have 3 through yard tracks 1 is the main line , 1 is the run around track and the other track works as your inbound outbound track . I would consider adding a couple of stub tracks 1 for parking locomotives and I would have the other track or tracks for sorting trains and storage of extra cars . Remember railroads build efficient yards with as little track as possible and I have learned to enjoy small yards and the challenge they present