Thank everyone for taking the time to comment on this post, I really appricate it. Now that the West yard is complete I'll be moving on to the East yard...
Which option would be more prototypical and reduce the amount of derailments? Turnouts are all #6 and the radius of the turn on the left 38 1/2
Thanks...
Well, I'd say that if you do your trackwork carefully, either way will work fine.
Probably the second arrangement is more common on the prototype, but I'm pretty sure layouts like the first one could be found on the prototype as well, especially in the past, whern there were many more yards.
So pick the one you like best and have at!
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
MSM ...reduce the amount of derailments?
...reduce the amount of derailments?
The second one, as it has one less curve to navigate. Also, curved track in the body tracks of a model yard has more potential to irritate than straight track.
Considering the prototype, it looks much easier for the engineer to see the switchmen in the second one.
Ed
I am the last person who should be advising you on a yard but the second one looks better to me.
On another note, over the years I have read that caboose tracks are best double-ended run-around tracks so as to access a certain caboose easier, in the old days the caboose was often assigned to the conductor. Can you plug your caboose track into that track it butts up against?
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
The second one for sure.
Rich
Alton Junction
Second one, railroads like more storage track length too
As I recall your operating position for the yard is at the top. If you are using manual switches, the first option will let you turn the switch without having to reach over cars. You'll also have better sight control of the ends of each track. The slight curves in each yard track might add some visual interest as well.
Ray
PruittWell, I'd say that if you do your trackwork carefully, either way will work fine. Probably the second arrangement is more common on the prototype,
I agree 100% with this comment.
-Kevin
Living the dream.