When I made the 1:1 model of my layout I came up with this track arangement for the double track main to the yard area and engine service facilities.
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I have since built several operational test mockups using BRIO trains to test the track set up, and a severe defficiency was identified. I need to be able to get from the inner mainline to the yard ladder earlier.
This mock-up shows the original plan. The #6 RH turnout in the mockup is the one identifoed in the picture above as being possiblly replaced with a #6 double slip.
The most obvious solution to me was to use a #6 double slip and add a #6 RH turnout to the mainline as shown in this mock-up. What looks to me to be the biggest problem with this option would be the additional maintenance and potential problems with a double slip. Also, as told to me in another thread, using a double slip in the mainline is not a practice in the real world.
Also, this arrangement moves the whole yard about 3 inches to the left. This is not desirable. I want everything as far to the right a possible.
My other option is to use a #3 WYE and add a #6 RH turnout to the mainline like in this mock-up. The problem here is that it introduces another "S" curve into the trains entering the yard from the main. This would be a slower speed operation since the trains are heading to a stop anyway. Would this really be a problem? I love the way trains look snaking through "S" curves.
Which option is the best solution? Is there a better arrangement that I am not seeing?
Any and all oppinions are appreciated. I am seeking as many points of view as possible because I really do not know.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Are you trying to acheive any degree of realism? Regardless, I would go for option #2. It appears that that on looks less inviting in the way of derailments. Correct me if I am wrong, but it appears that both ideas are three inches to the left. In which case, neither plan solves that problem?
I'm beginning to realize that Windows 10 and sound decoders have a lot in common. There are so many things you have to change in order to get them to work the way you want.
BNSF UP and others modelerCorrect me if I am wrong, but it appears that both ideas are three inches to the left. In which case, neither plan solves that problem?
The option with the #3 WYE does not alter the position of the yard tracks. If you look at the picture, the #6 RH turnout when used with the WYE goes right up to the piece of 24" sectional track. The double slip arrrangement requires a straight section, thus moving everything to the left.
I appologize for the crudeness of my mock-ups. I threw them together in a hurry.
. I appologize for the crudeness of my mock-ups. I threw them together in a hurry. . -Kevin .
Kevin that cracked me up. That reminded me of the movie Back to the Future when doc said the same thing about his Clock Tower mock-up he put together in 5 minutes.
I favor #2.
A problem with #2 is that there is a reverse curve when equipment traveling on the route from the middle track on the right to the top one on the left. That makes me anxious. It doesn't happen with the slip switch.
I suggest you "nail down" the #2 test version, and make sure your equipment will be happy going through that curve, before commiting to it on the real railroad.
Ed