Yard Lead Question

In the video you saw, the yard switcher is shoving classified cars into an Arrival/Departure (or A/D) track.  A caboose will be added and once the road locomotive couples on, those cars will become a train and head out onto the main line.  Here is an image of what that yard might look like.

 

 

There are many ways to design a yard, but to work efficiently, the yard should contain the following elements: one or more A/D tracks separate from the main line, a group of Classification (or Yard Body) Tracks and a separate Yard Lead sufficiently long so that a cut of cars as long as the longest A/D or Classification Track can be pulled clear of the ladder turnouts.

 

Here is a good summary of yard design considerations:

 

http://www.housatonicrr.com/yard_des.html

 

Yes, that describes the video I saw! 

 

The diagram you provided (thanks!) is very similar to others I have, but as you can see, it too has the lead dead-ending behind the ladder - meaning the switcher gets cornered after pulling the first cut of cards into the yard lead - unless the assumption is that the train being assembled by the switcher will be assembled on the A/D track rather than the lead?  This is the only way the switcher can escape the stub-ended yard lead in the diagram you've provided and all the others I've seen.

 

Peter

   

 Also remember you can use a mainline as headroom when switching.

 Having a double cross-over at each end of the yard on a double main track can be helpful if you use the mainline(s) as headroom instead of a dedicated yard lead.

 That might help if space is not available for the dedicated lead.

The switcher doesn't have to "escape" out the far end of the yard lead. It's job is to sort cars in the yard, only using the yard lead for headroom. If you have room to connect the yard lead back into the main that's fine, but it is not necessary.

 

Macks' suggestion to use the main line for headroom is OK, but it will restrict your operations. If the switcher is using the main for headroom, no trains can run by the yard while the switcher is working. If you have a switching lead, main line operations can continue uninterrupted while the switcher works.

 

I am glad to see that you are considering the use of a yard lead. It is a VERY important consideration, and one that many 3-railers ignore. You will be glad to have it, that's for sure!

 

I have attached a reprint of an article I wrote in OGR a a couple years ago. It may help answer your questions.

forgot to mention - the cross-over on the left side of the yard is not at grade.  The yard runs underneath.

 

If it helps visualize - the layout will be approx. 14 x 33.  The left side of the layout (everything left from where the mains curve over the yard) will be raised and will be a cityscape.  Will have city-like buildings and an elevated subway oval line (not shown) in that area.  The yard area represents the midwest/west, and the right side (everything right of the yard) will represent the west coast (plan to have mountainous areas with redwoods, etc.).

 

Peter

Peter:

I think your fear of trapping the switcher on the right end of the Yard lead is valid, but you must remember, it will only be there until the Road engine assumes the left end of the A/D track. Then the switcher will push the consist to connect to the engine on the A/D track. At theat point it is again free to travel the yard.

Since the consist will not be built up long in advance of it's scheduled departure, the wait will be brief.

Alternately, the consist can be parked on the A/D track and the road engine can back in to couple up.

 

Rich, Do you have some insight for us on which method is more likely?

Road engine first or consist first on the A/D line?

 

I assume that with 2 A/D lines the consist is spotted there, the road engine brings in a consist to the other A/D line, drops it and moves to take the spotted consist.

This is the most efficient time scenario for the road crew.

Thanks everyone. 

 

By the way - if I were to use an RCS #4 yard crossing (left) at the left end of the yard (where the main enters the yard), I would save enough length to allow me to have 2 A/D tracks.  Are RCS turnouts and yard crossings compatible (and recommended) with Atlas O turnouts and track?  And if they are, how the heck to I connect one to the other?  I have one pack of Atlas' Atlas/RCS connetors for another RCS turnout and, frankly, they don't plug in and the pin side just folds up.  Can't seem to figure them out.

 

Thanks

 

Peter 

What is confusing about the diagrams in the article is that there is no A/D track. Switcher can pull cars onto yard lead but then can only sort. No way to get them out unless you foul mainline. Unless I am missing some thing.

I finally came up with a compact  O-27 yard that functions well and includes a single A/D track, a long yard lead that end with a switcher shed/service, a double ended engine service that allows either backing up to the A/D or looping around the mainline  And since I only run steam, I also added in a caboose sevice track with a little supply shed and outhouse.

 

Now to  ballast and put all the other stuff back.

 

Next I will run the mainline around the basement walls with a few towns in between and join up with another yard with turntable, roundhouse, ash pit, machine shops, etc.