Diesel locomotive maintenance

[ericsp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cacole

Even the SP used trucks to refuel locomotives in some of their helper districts.

And in some yards. That is what they did in the yard closest to me. UP still does it there.

[ShaunCN]

thanks guys, i will normally have tow locomotives out running and one back at the shop and a "back up" in case another one dies. Right now i have only two tracks for my facility and would like to have 4, i need more room. LOL.

[cacole]

If you're modeling only diesels with no leftover steam facilities from prior years, you would need nothing more than a metal-sided repair shop with two or three tracks running into it, a couple of outdoor storage tracks, a sanding facility and fueling station, especially for a short line. The fueling facility on some short lines is nothing more than a fuel delivery truck. Even the SP used trucks to refuel locomotives in some of their helper districts. Some smaller shortline railroads, such as the Apache Railway in northern Arizona, use one of the tracks in their shop to repair rolling stock.

[ericsp]

How many locomotives are operating out of the yard each day? Will this facility just provide the basic services?

[Pennsy58]

Just suggestions here. With a smaller operation in the 1970's this could be what I consider a conversion period for facilities. You could use a small brick engine house, probably a two stall, or railroads had also started to build metal sheds by this time.
For instance, the Buffalo & Pgh's bottom end is near me in Butler,Pa. The engine facility is a metal pole building that can handle two engines at a time. Two tracks. Outside of the building is a sanding tower that services both tracks and a small concrete platform for the fuel stands. The service area is a siding off of a small yard. If you would like some ideas go to www.railpictures.net and search for the B&P road name. I recall seeing several pictures posted their of engines at the service bays etc.
Good luck..

[ShaunCN]

How big of a locomotive maintenance facilty do i need for a branch line/yard layout? I model the 1970's if hti sis of any importance. Wjat would be included in the scene?