Hi all,
On my small home layout, I have decided to redesign my station and yard layout. The existing design in the drawing below at the top, had a problem that I fowled the main line when I started switching cars on the middle loop line. By reversing the turnout direction at the east end (right), I don't fowl the main line while I'm switching. Can you see any problems that may occur as a result of not having direct (off the main line) access to the 3rd loop at the bottom? Obviously I still fowl the main when I'm switching to the tracks behind the station, but I can live with that.
I can't fit two cross overs as space is tight. Thought I'd pass it by a few people before I start lifting track.
thanks
Alan Jones in Sunny Queensland (Oz)
Good man!
Thanks Mark
hi Alan,
without a scale drawing it is not really possible to look at alternatives. I assume you have one train running over the main, while an other is switching the yard. On most model railroads the train on the main is chasing his own tail, so a dedicated switching area would be welcome. Adding a drill track could be a better option.
SmilePaul
Thanks Paul,
Sorry I don't have a scale diagram. Your assumptions are correct. I just wanted to know if you could see any problems with the new design. The track on the bottom right is actually a logging branch that I can use as a drill /switching lead track. I can't easily fit another track at the left end. The three track yard contains a tank car loading track, a storage shed track (for Box cars etc) and a middle storage track. All up the station area is only 6' long although the 3 track yard is a bit longer. Currently the bottom loop is only 13" long so it can hold about 3 34' cars which is what I model mostly.
cheers
I suspect you probably mean "foul" (as in obtruct, block, clog), not "fowl" (as in bird) :-)
One fairly obvious way to lengthen the two loops would be to take up the left hand turnout at the right end of the double ended sidings, and replace it with a right hand turnout pushed further towards the right, with the main coming off what normally would be the diverging path through the turnout, and the track leading down to the two loops coming off the straight path through the turnout.
Then us a second right hand turnout to split the path straight ahead through the first turnout into the right end of loop 1 and loop2.
Smile, Stein
Thanks Stein,
and thanks for picking up my incorrect grammar. Would you believe I used to proof read reports before they went to senior execs in my old job?
Good idea to extend the length of the loops, indeed that is what I have done, so the diagram is more a schematic rather than an exact layout! I was more interested in any operational issues concerned with the different arrangement of the turnouts. I've run some scenarios through my head and can't find any problems, but I'd done that with the original plan too. It's not until I played trains, I mean, had an operating session, that I discovered the problem of fouling the main line.
Thanks again
smiling
Alantrains Good idea to extend the length of the loops, indeed that is what I have done, so the diagram is more a schematic rather than an exact layout! I was more interested in any operational issues concerned with the different arrangement of the turnouts. I've run some scenarios through my head and can't find any problems, but I'd done that with the original plan too. It's not until I played trains, I mean, had an operating session, that I discovered the problem of fouling the main line.
Well, the potential drawbacks with the second plan is that you cannot go directly between the three single ended yard tracks at lower left and the main on the right, and you cannot go directly between the main on the right and the second loop track - you will have to do a switchback move of some kind.
Is it a problem? I would think most likely less of a problem than having to use the main to move cars between loop track 1 and loop track 2.
But hard to say for sure, since we don't know what your traffic pattern will be.
Alan,
In your drawings, what is the distance between the two curves on the main line?
Also, how long is the station, represented by the rectangle, in your drawings?
How much additional room, if any, do you have vertically? In other words, could you add one more row of track?
Rich
Alton Junction
hi gentlemen,
Schematics will not be enough for real planning. Now i know your line at the SE corner is a branch, my answer is : not bad at all. Lengthening the passing sidings is not a bad idea either.
Paul
Thanks everyone for getting involved in my redesign.
Rich, the station is 3' 6" long. I can get to pass a train 4' long if it clogs the turnout into the road behind (above) the station platform. The distance between the ends of the curves is about 6' and I am already using turnouts on the curve as Stein suggested to make the double ended sidings as long as possible.
I can fit another track in as the baseboard is 20" wide at the station. But I don't really want to do this.
Paul,
I like your design to give straight access out of the yard to the right main, but to do it, the middle double ended siding would end up too short. Currently it is 2'6" long and that's my standard length train. To add the extra turnout and the space for engine run around the the left would be good, but it just wont work.
I wish I'd talked to you all before I started.
I think I'll go with my original intention and put up with the switchback operation. It will be fun anyway.
The branch line is a logging line with switch backs on the way up too.
Here's a photo of my layout. It's a bit distorted due to the wide angle lens.
Overall dimensions are 11' long, 6' 2" at left end and 7' at right end. These are constraints of the room and two door openings.
the 4 diesels are on the middle loop. There's some N gauge track across the front of the layout that shouldn't be there (I have been testing some Japanese models I have).
Thanks everyone for your help.
Yep - looks like your proposed change - a wye turnout on the right end of the loop closest to the main, and a RH turnout on the lumber branch at lower right, is about the best you can do in that situation.