How do I design an operational yard?

[Anonymous]

First off I'd like to say that this forum is filled with the most wonderful people I've ever come across. You all have been so helpful to me.
My layout is going well (n scale) I am laying my track and roadbed now but I am also planning a small (2x4) L attachment to build a yard on. My total layout is 2x8 with just a few industries and I would like a yard to build up my trains. I have read "Track Planning for realistic Operation" and understand now the basic elements of the yard but looking at schematics of tracks is hard for me to fully grasp. I know I need a yard line, A/D line and the classification lines, just can't visualize the track plan. Anyone have pics of their yards to help me visualize the concept?

Don

[cwclark]

to utilize more space, i put in a curved yard...also notice that i have plenty of track at both ends of the yard so that any switching will not foul the mainline tracks...here is my layout design and the yard is included... http://community.webshots.com/photo/137793353/200840599PgqrPS ...this isn't the only picture either...click the arrow buttons and there are more pictures of the yard...chuck

[DMNolan]

This is a web sitewith some good things to consider when designing a yard. http://www.housatonicrr.com/yard_des.html

Here are a few pictures of my main yard. This is the east end of the yard. You can see the 9 classification tracks on the bottom of the picture. The 10th, outside track is the mainline track that bypasses the yard. At the top is my 4 track arrival/departure yard. There is a crossover from the mainline to the A/D yard and there is a caboose/house track in the middle. The engine service facility is out of site on the top of the picture.


This is looking west, at the same ladder tracks shown above. I used a compound ladder to save space. Most of the tracks are the same length, rather than having some real short and others long.


Here is the west end of the yard, which is similar in design. The caboose track is on the left. The 9 classification tracks have a compound ladder and the mainline is on the outside to the right. I also included a run around track, which bypasses the ladder (where the heavy-weight flat cars are sitting).


This is a picture, farther back. "R" tower will control this interlocking entrance to the yard. On the bottom of the picture there are 5 tracks. The furthest to the left is the yard lead, which can sort all 9 yard tracks. The 2nd and 3rd tracks from the left, are the mainline going up the helix to the upper deck. The 4th and 5th tracks from the left are going down the helix to staging located under the yard.



I hope this helps. Good luck and post some pictures when you get is built.

[dehusman]

For a small switching layout you need one or two double ended tracks, several classification tracks (single or double ended) and if you will be operting more than one train at a time, a separate lead.

Take some right and left hand switches to a photocopier. lay them rail side down on the glass and put a sheet of white paper over them. Make several copies. Then cut out the paper switches and and you can tape them together to form whatever switching arrangement you want full size. Don't be afraid to play with it. When you have what you think you want put so cars on the "tracks" and pretend to switch trains around to see if it works the way you want. Then count the switches you've used and buy them.

To draw the basic yard you need turn a piece of paper landscape. Draw a line across the paper for the "main" . Draw a line above it for the siding and sketch it two train lengths long. Put a switch to the main on the left end. You could put an optional switch on the right end too. In the middle of the siding (one train length from the left end) put a right hand crossover (that allows a train moving from right to left to cross from the main to the siding.) To the left of the crossover put a right hand switch in the siding. Off that switch start lining up left hand switches for the class tracks. There is your basic yard.

Dave H.

[pastorbob]

The three yards on my layout are scaled down from the prototype yards they represent. They contain the same basic elements, just do not have as many tracks, or are not as long as the prototype. One was based on the ATSF 10th ST yard in Enid Oklahoma in 1989, my era. It had 16 double ended tracks, I settled for 10, and only 4 double ended tracks, but the layout is the same and the grain elevator tracks surrounding the yard are also scaled down from the protoytpe. If you are freelancing, then you can still pick a proto yard that has the elements you are looking for and scale it down.

Bob Miller

[raynbecky]

I would highly recommend this book. It just came out and I found it to be very helpful. I have struggled with yard design and found this book to be a valuable resource.

http://store.yahoo.com/kalmbachcatalog/12248.html

[rexhea]

To save space, use some variation of a compound ladder.

Don't be afraid to have some of the yard in a curve.

Remember: You can cut off an inch or so of your turnout ends to help you fit them where you want them (if DCC friendly, make sure you don't cut beyond the rail jumpers.)

Include an inbound/outbound track, run-around track, caboose track, and if you have room, an engine service facility (A lot of action goes on here)

Make your classification tracks as long as possible

Its ok to use the mainline for the yard lead if you don't have room for a seperate lead. Just have a good dispatcher on duty.[:D]

REX

[Anonymous]

Here is a good online article I found on the subject:

http://www.gatewaynmra.org/frt-yard2.htm#tracks

Guy

[Don Gibson]

How do I design an operational yard?

You obviousy don't read Model Railroader. Currntly running ariicles on just that.

[DSchmitt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by raynbecky

I would highly recommend this book. It just came out and I found it to be very helpful. I have struggled with yard design and found this book to be a valuable resource.

http://store.yahoo.com/kalmbachcatalog/12248.html

Good advice[:)]

[streettrains]

Just order the book, cuz I have been scratching my head about my big yard, how to do it and make it look good....

here's another question.. is there a book out there that can help a beginner who use to jsut run trains, now wants to have good yard...

some thing that can help me in the terms of classification and all the things that have to do with a yard??

thanks

[Don Gibson]

Too broad.

A "Good Yard" cosists of an 'Inbound' receiving -track,
an 'Outbound' sending- track,
a 'run-around' track, plus storage ....
- hard to fit into a 4 X 8.See current (Jan) issue MRR.

[rexhea]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dmac730

First off I'd like to say that this forum is filled with the most wonderful people I've ever come across. You all have been so helpful to me.
My layout is going well (n scale) I am laying my track and roadbed now but I am also planning a small (2x4) L attachment to build a yard on. My total layout is 2x8 with just a few industries and I would like a yard to build up my trains. I have read "Track Planning for realistic Operation" and understand now the basic elements of the yard but looking at schematics of tracks is hard for me to fully grasp. I know I need a yard line, A/D line and the classification lines, just can't visualize the track plan. Anyone have pics of their yards to help me visualize the concept?

Don

Please visit my web storage site with the link at the bottom. Page two has my yard that is being constructed and a copy of my layout plan. It's far from perfect, but it fits and seems to work for the allocated space. Since your using N scale, just make the dimension of my yard or other HO plan, 1/2 size. If that doesn't work, start scaling down with number of class. tracks, length of track, use only one track for both in and outbound, and etc... until it fits your space and likes.

Good Luck, REX

[Anonymous]

Wow thanks for such intense info! The books I've been reading really deals with large room-size layouts. I just want to simulate a single town with 3 to 5 industries and a yard off the L with a switcher breaking up blocks on the A/D line and soughting them on classification tracks by industry and then making a local turn freight that my Trainmaster will deliver to the industries and return empties/through-freights back to the yard. Sounds easy enough, I must just have a mental block right now.

[Anonymous]

I'm modeling a small yard like yours for a shortline. Here's the very basics you need for an operational yard: A double ended arrival yard with enough track on each side to get the longest locomotive lash up onto it. Someplace to park any none used engine. Doesn't need to be fancy could just be a stub ended track out of the way. 2-3 classification tracks. These should be close enough that you can pull the tran onto a lead track and then sort them accordignly. One for the local going out to the industries. On for cars going offline (this could be simulated by just parking those cars on the track until the next session) The third one could be for overflow cars. Trainnut1250 article is good take what you need and don;t modlel the rest.
Andrew

[streettrains]

I would like to attempt to do a scaled down version of the CSX's Selkirk yard. And I mean really scaled down. I think my problem is drawing it and then trying to see what it looks like in my mind on the layout. I think its the size judgement, I have about a 4 X 18 spot ( total length along the wall is 4 X 22) to put a big yard.... Guess i am trying to put in my mind how much track/sidings I can put into each foot... can someone throw me a bone!!!!!