Track numbering

[howmus]

Probably something I should already know, but......  How are tracks numbered in yards?  Is there a particular one that would be called track 1?  For that matter how about mainlines????  Any information would be gratefully accepted.

Thanks in advance!

[Railway Man]

There is no consistent pattern to numbering of yard tracks even within the same terminal or the same railroad.  I have seen (and used) every numbering scheme imaginable.

Main Tracks, however, are consistently numbered (at least in recent years this has become consistent), with the #1 being the northernmost or westernmost (on most railroads), and sequentially numbered southward or eastward, respectively.  Because there are flyovers and separated main tracks, there are numerous instances on railroads where the #1 main is actually geographically south of the #2 for some distance.  For example, on SP eastward from Roseville, California, #1 and #1 main tracks are properly oriented, #1 to the north.  At Rocklin the #1 main flies over the #2 main track and the #2 main diverges northward to obtain a reduced gradient.  #2 is the normal eastward track and #1 the normal westward track.  At Tunnel #26 the #2 main crosses back underneath the #1 main track (in a tunnel) and then resumes proper orientation. In between those two points are several locations where the #1 and #2 are side-by-side but because of the flyovers are in reverse orientation.

Yard Tracks can have any numbering scheme (or naming scheme) desired; the numbers and names exist as a convenience.  Occupancy is by rule and trains move at restricted speed, able to stop in 1/2 the limit of vision.  Main Tracks, however, need a consistent numbering scheme because it is a component of the Method of Operation, and authorization is needed to occupy a main track.  So it is essential that everyone knows which main track is which.  Common these days is to spray paint on grade-crossing planks "#1" and "#2" so when a hi-rail sets on the operator has a visual cue that he's setting on the correct track so he doesn't get nailed by a train by setting onto the wrong track.  And this does happen more frequently than one might think.

RWM

[dehusman]

Normally yard tracks are numbered away from the main.  the track closest to the main may be 1 and go up from there.

Dave H.

[carknocker1]

In the different yards I have worked in , generally the track next to the Main is track #1 unless it is also considered a main track or a passing siding , then the next track is #1 and the  2 , 3 ect . . If there are yard tracks on either side of the main the tracks are numbered 1 west or 1 East ect .

[nbrodar]

Every yard can be different, but where I've worked the tracks are numbered outward from the Main.  Note they may not start with 1.  One place I worked started at 5, another 4, and still another 0.   

I also worked at one yard that has tracks on both sides of the main.  Tracks to the north side have odd numbers: 5, 7, 9, 11, etc.  Tracks to the south side even ones: 6, 8, 10, 12 etc. 

Additionally, subyards within a yard can be individually numbered.  For example the yard I currently work at has five #1 tracks.  W01 (intermodal), RD1 (receiving/departing), G01 (classification), L01 (local hold cars), C01 (used to serve a coal pier).

Nick

[howmus]

Thank you all for your your quick response!  You have been most helpful.

[wjstix]

I would think starting with the track closest to the main being Track 1 would make sense for a yard, because then if tracks are added later, they can just use the next higher number as you expand out from the main. If you have a 10 track yard and you number the closest track 1 and farthest 10, if you later add two tracks they can be 11 and 12 in order...if you did it the other way, you'd have 10 next to the main, and 11 and 12 on the other side of track 1 on far side of the yard, or you'd have to renumber the whole thing again.