Lynn
Present Layout progress
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/p/290127/3372174.aspx#3372174
QUOTE: Originally posted by electrolove Great answer to my question, that link was awesome, thanks...
QUOTE: What size of turnouts do you guys recommend in a staging yard? Let's say a double-ended staging yard with 8 tracks. If I use #4 all the way, will that result in problems with longer locos and cars, or can I run everything thru a #4? I'm talking diesels now, not steam.
QUOTE: Originally posted by electrolove What size of turnouts do you guys recommend in a staging yard? Let's say a double-ended staging yard with 8 tracks. If I use #4 all the way, will that result in problems with longer locos and cars, or can I run everything thru a #4?
QUOTE: Originally posted by Texas Zepher QUOTE: Originally posted by electrolove What size of turnouts do you guys recommend in a staging yard? Let's say a double-ended staging yard with 8 tracks. If I use #4 all the way, will that result in problems with longer locos and cars, or can I run everything thru a #4? A true number 4 might be a bit tight especially for diesels with 6 axle trucks (like the E8 or PA that would typically be on the California Zephyr). Atlas custom line turnouts are slightly bigger than a #4 and I've not had the same problem with them. Another problem you might encounter with #4s are "S" curves created in the ladders, that could be a problem for the long 85' passenger cars in the CZ. I would recommend if at all possible to use #6 or greater turnouts. Another thing I might ask. Is this really going to be a yard (where trains are made up and broken down), or is it just holding tracks where whole trains are just parked to be used later with the same consist?
QUOTE: Originally posted by BigRusty That is a good discourse on staging. It omits what I consider to be the best of staging methods, the multi track reverse loop staging. This is used at the end of the line so that many trains can be stored there and recalled as required by timetable, or whatever. When you have the space it is best to have these on a level below the main layout level accessed either by a helix or long down/up ramps. If it is hidden, there should be rerailers after each switch. I place my center piece (Ellison's stage) at the center of my track plan. I have a reverse loop staging area at each end. The tracks disappear into a tunnel or behind a hill or building whatever. This represents the continuing journey either to a connecting railroad or adjoining sub of the same railroad. Adds GREATLY to the illusion of the train actually going somewhere rather than chasing itself around in circles. It is what is called a "dogbone" layout and trackage can be single or multi track. In my planned layout, the New Haven Union Station is the centerpiece and the east end double trackage becomes the Shore Line to Boston and the West end becomes the 4 track Electrified division to New York. When a train reaches the staging it is "parked" and another is brought out to continue the operational cycle. Staging tracks should be as long as the longest train. The New Haven dragged 100 car freights up from the Hudson car float docks so I keep my longest tracks (the outer ones) to 60 feet. Each inner track is successively smaller, some of which can hold several trains, MU locals for instance. I have a small yard adjacent to the station area (the Water Street Yard) where local freights for the both ends can be made up to service the industrial sidings as in the prototype. The mammoth Cedar Hill Hump Yard is replicated by another hidden reverse loop staging area where the NY freights are stored prior to returning. Using this method you can operate your railroad as the prototype did in all respects. A lot less boring than running trtains around in circles.
QUOTE: Originally posted by wickman I always considered a big open your the same as staging yard
QUOTE: Now I'm kinda concerned as to whether this is still considered appropriate for staging?
QUOTE: I don't mean to step on any toes here [:)]
QUOTE: You can see the yrd at the top going from the left side towards the right .Would this still be considered a staging area or is staging areas more often than not hidden ?
QUOTE: Another question I'm curious about is is staging kinda the new trend or has it been around on layouts for a while and if you run short trins compared to longer trains is staging recommended and when is it wanted on a layout ?
QUOTE: Originally posted by pcarrell One thing I noticed is that 5% grade. That is pretty steep. You might want to dial that back a bit.
QUOTE: Originally posted by wickman QUOTE: Originally posted by pcarrell One thing I noticed is that 5% grade. That is pretty steep. You might want to dial that back a bit. wow you have a good eye for grade thats exactley what it is ...I neen 2 deisels to pull 10 fully loaded cars up the grade witout a problem [:)]
QUOTE: Originally posted by sledgehammer Do you gentelment put road bed under your hidden staging? and on a helix as well. I'm in the process of building a hidden staging area under my layout and was wondering if it would make a difference to use road bed.
QUOTE: Do you have a trackplan or picture of the multi track reverse loop staging?
Tom
QUOTE: Originally posted by sledgehammer Do you gentelment put road bed under your hidden staging? and on a helix as well.
QUOTE: Originally posted by wickman What would the minimum radius requirements be for a helix in HO or would that depend on how much room is available?[:)] Lynn
QUOTE: Originally posted by pcarrell QUOTE: Originally posted by wickman What would the minimum radius requirements be for a helix in HO or would that depend on how much room is available?[:)] Lynn How much room is available & what you intent to run on it.