track sidings

[joepearce]

Can anyone tell me why track sidings are usually laid lower than the main line?

[Anonymous]

they are lower so that run off from rains or spring melts won't wash out the main line.

[CShaveRR]

So that the expression "in the hole" will have meaning?

Seriously, another possibility is maintenance practices...fresh ballast and track lining along the main line will raise the level of that track, while the poor, neglected siding either stays at the same level or settles further in. The difference in level isn't often too much, and lining of the main track could--notice that I said "could"--account for that over the years. Size of the rails may add to the perception... rails on the main line will almost always be heavier.

[Anonymous]

Sidings sometimes are not the same grade of track as the mainline, i.e. reduced speed, tonnage or even stub ended. Maintenance requirements are not the same so there is less ballast, curve elevation, etc. There are some sidings that are maintained equal to the mainline such as highspeed passing sidings. Hope this answers your questions. gdc

[Anonymous]

This is probably THE reason. Old civil engineers used to say, "There are three things to consider when laying out a road bed; drainage, drainage and drainage." While we know that grade is quite important also, this does indicate how significant storm water management is in railroad location and details. - Ed

[joepearce]

Thanks to all of you. Your answers make sense. this has long been a question for me. I come from a RR family and have asked many trainmen with no answer. Even had the people at Golden RR museum stumped. Joe Pearce

[ronsmith]

The main reason sidings are lower that main line
trackage is to keep cars parked there from being
able to roll onto main line.

[Anonymous]

Ron,

Your answer sounds pretty good. I am curious though, what do they do when the track is on a grade? It seems to me the siding couldn't be depressed enough to keep cars in with gravity alone.

Ed

[Anonymous]

Has anyone considered this possibility?

The side tracks ( stubs / industrial sidings ) passing sidings are lower than the main track to prevent / reduce the possibility of a car or cars rolling out on to the main track and fouling the main track?

With spring switches & switch points that move when a car rolls through the wrong way having the siding/passing siding lower than the main track helps reduce this possibility.

Just a thought?!?

[ronsmith]

Ed,
That where the Drail devise came from and is used
where sidings are on same grade. Sidings being lowered is a new happening with railroads; probably started about 10 years ago.