I recall reading about a RIP in an MR article. No RIP tracks look alike. I'd go for some junk like pallets, stacks of crates, piles of track wheels, etc.. For buildings, probably a small workshop or even shed.
Good on you for having a small industry b/c I learned the hard way that not all industries must consume a large footprint. Even on real train lines, much of the track is away from any buildings.
Further on "bottle jacks":
If you do a search for "50 ton bottle jack", you will find they are a long ways from expensive. And that likely has held for quite a long time.
For a typical freight car, you would only lift one end of a car (at a time). And you would use two bottle jacks to do it. The jacks have a limited range, so you may have to insert either blocking or screw jacks as you lift.
Two 50 ton jacks will lift one end of any empty freight car. You likely could use littler ones, like 20 ton, on most cars back in "the olden days".
Ed
PS: I suppose you could actually lift one end of a car with only one jack. By going back and forth from side to side. Making a slow job even slower. But if you only have one jack and lots of blocking..........
PPS: Sounds like the previous poster might have more direct knowledge on the subject.
Depending on how big you want to go but generally there is a small shed for tools and parts. Crates of larger parts are kept outside . A rack for pipes and steel a rack for wheels . Then you will have some bottle jacks . A torch and welder and don't forget the blue flag!
The Selley line of white metal castings -- models which actually date to the late steam era! -- has items that should be usable.
For example the Go Devil cart with small crane and hook that likely would be hand pushed in a RIP track yard.
http://www.bowser-trains.com/docs/HO%20Selley/Selley%20Drawings%20Page%207.jpg
Dummy couplers and air brake parts
http://www.bowser-trains.com/docs/HO%20Selley/Selley%20Drawings%20Page%205.jpg
A four wheel welder and welding cart. Note also the wheel stops.
http://www.bowser-trains.com/docs/HO%20Selley/Selley%20Drawings%20Page%204.jpg
Wheelbarrow, tools, hand truck, small trailers
http://www.bowser-trains.com/docs/HO%20Selley/Selley%20Drawings%20Page%202.jpg
Steps and ladders
http://www.bowser-trains.com/docs/HO%20Selley/Selley%20Drawings%20Page%203.jpg
Also consider what would need quick repair in the steam era. Reefer door latches and hatches. Grab irons. Brake wheels. Brake shoes. Air hoses and angle cocks.
Dave Nelson
PS: commonly seen in modern era RIP track areas are entire crates of covered hopper hatches because there is such a high mortality rate for the hatch covers whether metal or fiberglass.
DN
Here's a photo of a rip track on the C&NW in 1943 by Delano:
If you click on it, you'll note that it's a big picture and you can see a lot of details. Note the tire marks in the wider lane to the left. Note also there's enough room to work around the cars. Tools and supplies are stored in a building, which may or may not be in the photo. Some things can be left out all the time, as no one will likely steal them--either too heavy or too worthless.
I can see various ladders and blocking. I also see a couple of carts with acetylene rigs. There would surely be jacks in evidence. I see sawhorses. And assorted wood bits. And the occasional tool box.
Not in evidence here, but there might be a light overhead crane. Something like this, but likely lighter duty. Maybe:
https://www.walthers.com/piggyback-ramps-kit
Or they could use one of the light locomotive cranes:
https://www.walthers.com/maintenance-of-way-mow-work-train-equipment-unpainted-metal-kit-burro-model-30-7-1-2-ton-capcity-crane
The above may be too modern--I'm not that familiar with burro crane lore. The is/was also the famous Tru-Scale crane:
which might be more appropriate. It's a cute little fella that's been made by various manufacturers besides the original Tru-Scale. It would look neat detailed up a bit.
The reason for a locomotive crane is that it's portable. A fixed crane is, um, fixed. So if you need to get "over here with a hook", the former is better.
I am modeling the late steam era in HO. I want to have a "repair in place" track in my yard. I need information on what would likely be included as in: buildings, parts, tools, hoists, etc. etc. I will greatly appreciate all input. Thanks
wdcrvr