Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

yard switching speeds

1902 views
5 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: WSOR Northern Div.
  • 1,559 posts
Posted by WSOR 3801 on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 3:27 AM

Usually we try to get up to 10 mph as fast as possible, coast for a bit, then 1-2 mph for the coupling.  If the track is iffy, sharp curves, etc., a slower speed is prudent.

When kicking, some yards just need a little pin to roll cars out, other times 10 mph for the kick, and the car might stall out before it rolls into the clear. 

Each yard is different, and working in them is the only way to know how the cars roll. 

Mike WSOR engineer | HO scale since 1988 | Visit our club www.WCGandyDancers.com

  • Member since
    October 2001
  • From: OH
  • 17,574 posts
Posted by BRAKIE on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 9:45 PM

west willow and laurel

What is the typical yard switching speed for diesels in MPH?

10mph..Anything above 5mph is a "crash" coupling-or was.We usually made a good coupling at 3 mph.

 

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

  • Member since
    December 2003
  • 330 posts
Posted by red p on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 9:15 PM

Yard speed is a speed not exeeding 10 MPH

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 3:17 PM

I'd have to think a while to remember which video/DVD it's on, but I have an old (c.1950's) railroad training film that talks about the importance of not coupling at a speed above I think 3 MPH, since coupling at a speed above that was likely to damage the freight in boxcars and reefers. It's funny sometimes to see how even some of the "great model railroad" operators bash cars together when switching.

Stix
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Omaha, NE
  • 10,621 posts
Posted by dehusman on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 10:27 AM

Typically trains operating at restricted speed cannot exceed 20 mph.  Most speeds on track other than a main track is in the 10-15 mph range.  Most switchers kicking cars won't get above a fast walk, 5-7 mph.  Switchers coupling cars will be in the 2-4 mph range. 

Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com

  • Member since
    May 2011
  • 122 posts
yard switching speeds
Posted by west willow and laurel on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 7:20 AM

What is the typical yard switching speed for diesels in MPH?

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!