2x9 track plan for extension---looking for suggestions

[TravelinJohnnie]

Hi,

I am trying this for the first time, submitting a track plan for review/suggestions,  HO Scale.  This is a branch extension to an existing layout servicing a 2 load out track mine tipple.  The black square is a post that the shelf wraps around and extends approx. 7 feet across a wall ending at a wall.

Forgive the imperfections in my drawing---its my first attempt at using xtrkcad--i know all track connections aren't made.

I am trying to devise a simple approach to switching this tipple with hopes of simulating the real thing.  I know I would need a lot more room but don't we all.  It is HO scale and I plan on a train length of 8-10 ---40-50ft hoppers with a 4axle GP-7/9 diesel.

Thoughts for operating: ( tipple is the pink square overlapping the tracks 2&3) ( yellow line is the back edge of the shelf)

first track 1 on bottom would be for emptys to be pushed onto and then behind the tipple once the loads have cleared  the switch on left of tipple

then back loco to the switch and enter loaded tracks 2&3 gathering loaded cars and leaving with loads

This seems to work for PUSHING emptys out to tipple....what do you all think? and /or any ideas that would allow me to have loco pull the emptys to the tipple and switch it?

Thanks for looking and would look forward to your insights...

Bart

 

 

[Paulus Jas]

hi Johnnie,

my drawing is based on eight 50 ft cars or ten 40 ft ones.

After a train has come in on the siding the engine has to run around the empties first.

Then the caboose can be placed on the far end of the joint trackage, then the empties.

The next step is pulling the loads and setting them out on the main.

Now the empties can be spotted under and behind the tipple; 4 on each track.

When a hopper is loaded the 4 cars are pulled forwards E.G. by a pully, so the second car is under the tipple. At the end the 4 loaded cars are before the tipple.

Our engine has picked up the loads and the caboose in the mean time and is now ready to leave town.

BTW a house track is added. A daily mixed train is delivering the cars.

Smile
Paul

 

[Texas Zepher]

I was going to suggest to not have the tracks parallel with the edges of the new extension, and that you had one to many crossovers.   I see Paul already addressed both those things in his diagram.

[TravelinJohnnie]

Paul,

Perfect, I just mocked that up with cork in place of trackand  it really fits the space nicely.  I like the added siding, allows me to break up all my hoppers!  Thanks for the feedback. 

Bart