ricka1 posted:John,
Thanks for the feedback. I first want to say that I really admire your layout and your videos. I'd like to get a copy of your book too! I understand what you are saying regarding the reversing loops. Ken suggested that to me in a couple of the earlier versions of the plan. When I saw how much space a loop would eat up in the narrow-ish spaces in my basement, I decided against it. From an operational standpoint, I believe the plan allows for some great operating possibilities without the use of loops, by utilizing the yard as a stand in for two or more locations. A freight train can be assembled in the yard and sent out on the mainline headed to a distant location. After making a set number of passes around the main, that train would pull back into the yard, on the arrival track at it's "new" destination. The train could drop a cut of cars designated for the new location, and pick up a cut going it's direction, or could be broken down and put into smaller locals that could head in either direction from the yard to swap cars at local towns and industries. These locals would then return to the yard where their trains would be broken down and assembled into cuts that could be picked up by another through freight, or assembled into a train originating in the yard, bound for somewhere else. Add to this action a mine run, interchange runs, and passenger service, and you've got some fun on your hands! Sure it takes a little imagination, but I don't feel it's any more than what's required when watching a train go back and forth between two loops. The added advantage for me, of not having loops, is the narrower benchwork, and ability to just watch the trains run!
Rick
Rick: Thank you for your kind words. I'm very impressed with your plan. You have a great plan for what you are going to do which puts you way ahead of the pack. I agree that no reverse loops will save space--everything will be easier to reach and you have excellent people space!
