yard on a straightaway or a curve... any preference?

[streettrains]

Just wanted to knowif it matters if I build a yard on a curve or a straightaway. Is there a space saver in either? What does everyone perfer???[:)]

[mondotrains]

Hey GrandFunk,
I'd have to say that it's better to have the yard on a straightaway mainly because it makes for easier coupling and uncoupling. You know how tricky it can be to get cars to couple on a curve. I also think if you have the room, it looks better.

That's my two cents.
Mondo

[streettrains]

I think you are right.. but it was a thought for me...

[vsmith]

Have you ever tried coupling and uncoupling on a curve, try it, you'll answer your own question post haste!

[streettrains]

yeah you got a point, don't need the hassle, think once again I am OVERTHINKING!!!!!!

[soumodeler]

I think a yard on a very large curve looks really good. The new V&O's Undercliff yard is on a curve. I would put it on a radius of like 72"+ for a broad, sweeping curve.

soumodeler
-----------------
The Southern Serves the South!
http://www.trainweb.org/mgr

[gvdobler]

I have "Model Railroader's Guide to Freight Yards" and it has a wealth of knowledge in it about how to build a freight yard.

If you are going to build on a curve it tells you how to get the most out of it.

Jon - Las Vegas

[Train 284]

I would definitly go with a straight yard

[Fergmiester]

Straight is the way to go. I know!



Mondo makes a very good point regarding coupling

Fergie

[ndbprr]

Well there are curves and there are curves! I plan a curved yard but the minimum curvature will be 36". Down to about 30-32" would be the limit I would consider for the above mentioned reasons. Curved yards look much better visually to me. Straight look to restricted for lack of a better word.

[Anonymous]

I messed around for the longest time building HO scale mockups of a curved yard. I eventually built one. The pundits are correct to a point, too tight a curvature and forget coupling cars. I run a road set in 1942 and operate freight cars that do not exceed a scale 50 feet in length. After lots of track laying a various radii, then trying to couple cars in the curves, I finally realized that to attain 100% reliability in coupling, the radius needed to be 40 inches or more. Those of you that model more modern equipment, i.e., longer cars, will need to build an even broader radius curvature into your yard to have it work properly all (most of?) the time. Another problem with operating a curved yard is the increased maintenance that is required. The couplers must be kept in full adjustment all the time. The most important item is the coupler centering spring. If the coupler is just the tiniest tad off center, it will not always couple in even a broad curve.

After all this profundity, I am in agreement with the suggestions that a straight yard is the way to go, even if it has to be somewhat shorter than you might desire. I had no choice. My yard was either going to be 4 feet long and straight, or a useful length and curved. It happens that way sometime.

Steam is to be worshipfully cherished.

Tom

[tstage]

You all make a very good point about the coupling problems on curves. Personally, I like the look of a curved yard better. It's more interesting but more of a challenge to design carefully and correctly so that you don't have coupling/uncoupling issues you mentioned.

A gentle curve, as soumodeler mentioned, would look good and would also add some variety to your layout. However, incorporating one on your layout is pretty much contingent on how limited or cramped you are on space. If I ever did have a curved yard on my layout, I would limit it to having no more than one gentle curve.

Tom

[chateauricher]

There is the option of a straight yard with a bend in it. While maintaining straight track to facilitate coupling/uncoupling, the curve would allow you to squeeze it onto your layout. Just be sure to space the tracks to keep the cars from sideswiping each other; and keep the curve to an acceptable radius.

[TheS.P.caboose]

As far as looks go, either way is fine with me. For operations on a layout, I leen towards straight.

[Anonymous]

My main yard is curved with a 28" rad on all five tracks. They don't have to be concentric radii. I model late steam and the only cars over 50' are Walthers Passengers. I don't uncouple the passenger cars, but the freight cars don't give me any trouble at all.

Bob

[johncolley]

A sweeping curved yard looks neat. Remember to keep at least a foot straight on each end of your shortest track for most of the coupling/uncoupling will occur there, eh? That way all the others will have longer straight (tangent) . Don't forget to add easements, too for realistic look. Ideally your main and A/D track will be farthest back and therefore will have the largest radii. And if you still have a little space LOL put your passenger siding and station outside of your main! Looks and operates GREAT!!!

[DMNolan]

I didn't have any other options but to put muy main yard on a curve, with a "S" curve no less. I don't have porblems with coupling, but the radius of the curves goes from 32" to 52". It put my yard ladders on the straight (I didn't use curved turnouts)

It looks good to have the yard on a curve. Here are a few photos.

[johncolley]

DMNolan, thanks for the neat shots and a great looking yard! Very similar to what I am doing on Free-mo modules with a 6 track yard. Separation between main and passenger track and main and D/D track is 20' with #10's, the yard tracks are all #8's and alternate 13' and 16' Our minimum mainline radius is 48". See my above comment!

[pipe]

I HAVE A CURVED YARD AND A STRAIGHT YARD I LIKE THEM BOTH AND HAVE NO PROBLEM COUPLING OR UNCOUPLING .IT IS YOUR CHOICE.