In the beginning of railroads, it was natural to perform switching just by using the basic train hauling principle of flanged-wheel railcars running on tracks as though they were short trains with very short destinations. But with advancements of machinery, automation, and computerization, maybe the railroads can move beyond the mechanical speed limits of current yard switching practice.
Giant Claw Machine!
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
SD70Dude I've got to say that I'm a bit disappointed. I was expecting something more creative, perhaps a giant 'hand of God' in the sky. You know, the fastest way to switch on a HO scale layout.........
I've got to say that I'm a bit disappointed. I was expecting something more creative, perhaps a giant 'hand of God' in the sky. You know, the fastest way to switch on a HO scale layout.........
The ol' 0-5-0 switcher...
This seems to have a flavor like this...
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
blue streak 1Here is a thought. How many classification yards are there in North America that receives cars from other yards (n)? If a major RR yard had (n) classification tracks then each track would be able to have blocks that would only be subject to block swaping to final yard. Of course various tracks for RIP, Storage, trim, departure, etc would be needed. No additional classification of car(s) until reaching final yard. Not too practicl. Even with another set of yard tracks maybe a mile beyond the first yard set way too many switches and other infrastructure?
Not too practicl. Even with another set of yard tracks maybe a mile beyond the first yard set way too many switches and other infrastructure?
In the final years I was working, the 'plan' was to eliminate switching at as many outlying points as possible, thus eliminating yard jobs at those points. Put EVERYTHING from the outlying location together for pick up by a road train to take it to a hump yard to separate everyting towards its ultimate destination. That plan could put several hundred additional miles of backhaul for some traffic.
I never got to see the 'savings' sheet with what was save from crew abolishments and what additional costs were incured in car hire for both the additional day(s) cars were on the property plus the additional milege money the accrued in the car hire accounts.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.