My yard design

Wow!

You have crammed a lot into what I think is a very small space.  Is there anyway you can post the actual track schematic and maybe the data file?  I am intrigued with how you accomplished this.

What is the track spacing between parallel tracks?  I've used 3.5" (14' full-scale) in the redesign of my storage tracks.  This allowed me to to increase capacity by 50 percent.

Your comment on using curved switches is opportune.  I have been going through a redesign of my existing layout (much more than a refinement, but definitely not a re-do) to add a staging yard beneath one long side.

I have been exclusively Atlas track and turnouts, and this limited me to 4 parallel staging tracks in a 2-foot width.  By shifting to Ross curved switches I've increased that to 6 tracks with increased storage space in each.  Also, by going from Atlas switches in my storage yard to Ross (a three-way plus 4 #4s) I've gone from 4 tracks to 7 tracks.

Using 3.5" spacing is fine on parallel straight tracks.  Just don't park cars on the curves.

It is a big step for me to use Ross switches.  We have a humidity problem most of the year here in Florida.  I have a few pieces of Gargraves which have rusted over the years.  This is not on the contact surface but on the rail web and underside.  Also, unsealed wood ties swell which I fear could cause track gauge/alignment problems.  I figure I could handle a dozen Ross switches.

Jan

In a yard you will be doing a lot of coupling. I'm relatively new at this, but I've found that coupling on curves is inconsistent, You should test various cars and their coupling success on some test curves that you plan to use BEFORE you sign off on your design

CAPPilot,

Looks like you can spend a few hours in the yard without fouling any main- I think you accomplished your goal. You already stated the yard lead limitation, it is what is.

Just keep visualizing the movements and perhaps you'll discover a minor tweak. The yard lead and arrival\departure track will be the longest train you can build, yes?

Thanks guys for the quick responses.

My centers are closer to 4" to allow 40'/50' cars to pass each other on the curves.  I understand the coupling problem on curved track, and there will be one yard track that will have a curved section at one end that may not be useable.

The two double-slip switches on the right of the diagram are Atlas O, but all the rest of the track is Ross.  I have a fairly dry basement as long as my dehumidifier works.

Below is a bitmap file of the RR-Track 5.0 file.  Not sure how to post the RR-Track file.  There are a couple of extra tracks on the plan that I did not put on the schematic.  These tracks allow reversing loops, but they also limit the space a bit.

Ron

I see one risk that your diagram doesn't point out, but your track plan does.  It appears that the entrance to your turntable is a curved track which might create problems for turntable entrance alignment and actual entry.  In addition, you have no safety track on the other side of the entrance track in case the engineer misjudges the stopping distance and goes "past the end of the turntable."

After all, accidents do happen, and we don't want our engines on the ground, right?

Chuck

Ron,

You can upload almost any filetype by "Add Attachments."  Here's the current iteration of my layout "tweak."  The staging tracks (first 2 feet) are under the second 2 feet.  I haven't mastered "layers" yet.

You should be able to open my file.

Jan

Chuck,

I have a short piece of straight track going into the turntable but it will probably not be enough.  My backup plan is to built an extension to the layout's table at the turntable to provide a longer straight section.  The problem is getting to the three switches behind the turntable.  They are 4 1/2 feet from the table's edge as it is.  I'm in good health now to get back there, but you never know about the future.  The two gray bands represent the staircase; I'm going to put an access hole in the wall between the storage room under the stairs and the table, which will help.

Jan,

Thanks for the tip on posting a file.  I thought it was for pictures only.

Ron

ron,

What engines are you going to be running?  Your mains can handle the largest steamers but getting them to the roundhouse will be problematic with the O54 curves.  

Like Chuck mentions you could use more straights for the turntable lead.  The lead tracks to the turntable are used to service the engines when they enter or depart.  Departing engines would get fuel, sand, water, etc. while returning engines would dump their ashes.  Often two tracks would be used to prevent fouling the lead.  This makes for an interesting scene.

Consider switching the location of the turntable and the freight(?) house.  This might get you increased lead length.  I notice you have O36 curve coming off the turntable.

Looks like you have plenty of opportunities for contious running and local switching.

Jan

Two items to consider. On your stub sidings, I'd suggest making them as long as possible. Every extra inch will be welcome. For the bumpers, take a look at the ones from Gargraves. By far, the best I've found.

Just my $0.02

Gilly

Moonman,

I missed your earlier question on train length.  This plan represents a small yard with short local freights out/back to my industries.  My "through" freights will be much longer and will come from hidden storage tracks.  What I need to learn a little more about is the best way for one of these too long freights to drop off and pick up a block of cars from the yard.  May not be doable.

Jan,

The turntable is 24 inches, and I think all my engines that can fit on it can negotiate an O-54 curve.  I have several engines, mainly switchers and smaller steamers, that can negotiate O-31.  Most of my large engines will be in already made up trains on storage tracks on the lower level.  Any other large engines will have to go into the separate large engine yard shown at the bottom of the plan.

I've placed the turntable in several different places and tried different approaches to it, and this is the best use of space.  I can have a better engine service facility and possibly two lead tracks if I get rid of the express car tracks (freight house), but I think I will try this first.  Once I unpack the turntable and place it in the layout, I'll have a better idea on what will work.  If I have problems with the current design, I have room to move things around.

Gilly,

I actually have a whole box of Gargraves bumpers.  However, there was an article a while back about using ties off of Gargraves track to make narrow bumpers.  These bumpers would give me a little longer siding, which I agree with you need to be as long as possible.

Ron