How do today's railroads turn diesels around? Do they still use old roundhouses and wyes for this?
Turntables, wyes and balloon tracks.
If they have to turn them for some reason, they could still use a turntable if they have one, otherwise as noted a wye or balloon track of some type. Turning is not as necessary for diesels as for steam, since on say a branchline they can work equally well forward or backwards so it doesn't require turning. On mainline trains they usually use two or more engines together, so can put the engines back to back so they don't have to turn the engines, just go to the other engine and run them from there when it's time to go the other direction with a train. (Of course you can put several other engines between the back to back ones too if you need more power.)
http://railpix.railfan.net/dieseljpeg/dh-7309.jpg
With the advent of the high horsepower 'wide body' units the need to turn units has increased. For the most part the 'rear' of these units are not equipped with ditch lights, and the rearward view is less than optimum. Federal regs restrict trains to 20 MPH over road crossings when the leading engine is not quipped with ditch lights, even though there is an operating headlight.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=295008&nseq=745
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
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The single headlight on the rear of the engine is more of a Canadian feature. Most US engines had a twin sealed beam light fixture on both ends. Usually a plow on the front only, but some roads have them on both ends. Current FRA regs require a continuous piece across the bottom of the pilot, no big holes under the coupler.
Some cars need to be turned account a "Unload This Side Only" tag on them.
Mike WSOR engineer | HO scale since 1988 | Visit our club www.WCGandyDancers.com
WSOR 3801Some cars need to be turned account a "Unload This Side Only" tag on them.
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