Help with yard plan on a 4x10 section of layout

I'd start by placing the operating accessories where you want them and see how track will work. After that fit a couple sidings as space permits.

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

I'd start by placing the operating accessories where you want them and see how track will work. After that fit a couple sidings as space permits.

Bob

Thanks, I have been trying to picture it, but then he changes his mind which is making ti hard.

I found a thread that kind of addressess the same issue, I found something I like

https://ogrforum.com/...25#16212591142008025

Why reinvent the wheel. With placement of the accessories, what are some things to consider I guess, power, space, clearance? Etc.

Thank you for the reply.

The accessories should be in easy reach of little hands. As I said the rest will follow.

Bob

A very important issue with a yard is a lead and one that does not interfere with the main.     You could use the inner loop and just cut into it near one of the bridges.     Or you could put in a crossover from a yard lead to the inner loop.    This makes the  yard independent of both mains, but it requires a 3rd track across one of the bridges.   This lead ideally.  should be long enough to enable a switcher to pull the longest track in the yard.   The ladder for the classification tracks should come off this lead.

Space in O is always limited, so even though I wanted a double ended yard, I built a stub end  yard to get more capacity, which I sorely needed.

I notice on your diagram, another small area labeled yard.     Generally industries are not in  yards.   Yards are often close to industries and are  used to break down trains and sort cars to deliver to the industries.   that small yard area could be an industrial area.    A local from the yard could run out there to serve the industries (which might be accessories).     John Armstrong stated more than once that it is probably not a good idea to try to do two or more of something on any layout.   he said the compromises often mean neither is done well.    He would recommend having only one good yard, not two small ones.    He used this same logic for large industries like coal mines, or steel mills, or assembly plants.

I think I would put the lead on the what is the bottom on the drawing, the side with the other  yard.   The outer end of the lead could also access the industrial area.

Also, a yard needs at least one double ended track depending on space, for arrivals and departures to pull in off the mains.    This should be accessible from the lead too.

Here's a couple drawings and pics of my layout and yard. Most of the yard was designed by a fellow forum member who did a great job given the space available.

@prrjim posted:

A very important issue with a yard is a lead and one that does not interfere with the main.     You could use the inner loop and just cut into it near one of the bridges.     Or you could put in a crossover from a yard lead to the inner loop.    This makes the  yard independent of both mains, but it requires a 3rd track across one of the bridges.   This lead ideally.  should be long enough to enable a switcher to pull the longest track in the yard.   The ladder for the classification tracks should come off this lead.

Space in O is always limited, so even though I wanted a double ended yard, I built a stub end  yard to get more capacity, which I sorely needed.

I notice on your diagram, another small area labeled yard.     Generally industries are not in  yards.   Yards are often close to industries and are  used to break down trains and sort cars to deliver to the industries.   that small yard area could be an industrial area.    A local from the yard could run out there to serve the industries (which might be accessories).     John Armstrong stated more than once that it is probably not a good idea to try to do two or more of something on any layout.   he said the compromises often mean neither is done well.    He would recommend having only one good yard, not two small ones.    He used this same logic for large industries like coal mines, or steel mills, or assembly plants.

I think I would put the lead on the what is the bottom on the drawing, the side with the other  yard.   The outer end of the lead could also access the industrial area.

Also, a yard needs at least one double ended track depending on space, for arrivals and departures to pull in off the mains.    This should be accessible from the lead too.

You are correct, it is a little industrial dock stub there.  I think I was using yard incorrectly when I really meant siding.

You are right in space ended up pulling out some of the o27 curves tonight!

Thank you for your input!

@raising4daughters posted:

Here's a couple drawings and pics of my layout and yard. Most of the yard was designed by a fellow forum member who did a great job given the space available.

Thank youthat looks great!

Love the Browns pennant!

Short update, after haggling with the chief engineer, this is what we came up with tonight. O27/34 marx curves and switches.. we'll see how this goes but he likes it. He started putting cars on before I could get a picture without them. So sir track alignment to do but so far looks like we'll have room for the things he wants

@Aldovar posted:

Thank youthat looks great!

Love the Browns pennant!

Thanks. I saw that your profile said Stow OH, so I thought you might like the Cleveland pennants. I'm on the west side but not too far from Stow.

Anything you come up with will be great given the labor of love with your son.  My father helped me build my first layout about 20-25 years ago (I was in my 30s and he was around 60). Some of the best times we had together.

Here is an off the wall thought: 

Backing trains on 027 is sometimes frustrating.  

Think about changing the whole 8x10 area and put the mainline on the inside next to the open area.    Then you can use the large 042 radius for the yard lead, and thus reduce the chances of derailments, and the  yard tracks would be closer to the edge of the layout and easier to reach while mainline trains are running.

@Aldovar posted:

Short update, after haggling with the chief engineer, this is what we came up with tonight. O27/34 marx curves and switches.. we'll see how this goes but he likes it. He started putting cars on before I could get a picture without them. So sir track alignment to do but so far looks like we'll have room for the things he wants

As long as the chief engineer approves!

Looks good.