To Side or not to Side, that is the question

Install a curved turnout to extend it

Hi Basil

I've been going through the same decision on my TINY layout.

The siding looks like it would be long enough for a 4-5 car train, wouldn't it?  Even if you don't use it in operations, it would be a nice place to display some rolling stock.

Well I'm very opinionated where sidings are concerned. I'm an operator by choice and see that siding as a perfect opportunity to add a small customer or a team track to spot a car or two. A railroad doesn't exist to merely run trains...it needs customers.

Bob

As Bob says above a siding is an operational element, but it also can be a scenery element.  A team track with trucks to transfer cargo from various cars including hoppers. 

I've noticed that the corners of the layout are largely unused except for mountain scenery.  If you are using large diameter curves there can be three of more feet along the edge.  I've been planning on putting a Lionel grain elevator in one corner to supply a larger Korber elevator.

Jan

Thanks for the input. I have a couple of industrial sidings, so I am accomplishing that bit of scenery.  This siding would run right next to my large yard, leaving little room for any buildings.  This would be a passing siding.

The curve entering the straightaway at the foreground of the photo is about a 40" radius (it's flex track), so I don't think I can put a curved switch in, although I would love to if I could.

flanger posted:

Well I'm very opinionated where sidings are concerned. I'm an operator by choice and see that siding as a perfect opportunity to add a small customer or a team track to spot a car or two. A railroad doesn't exist to merely run trains...it needs customers.

Bob

I agree with Bob and others who suggest adding a siding.  You posted that you have a large 4 track yard so I suppose you have a run around track for that?  

pennsynut posted:

flanger posted:

Well I'm very opinionated where sidings are concerned. I'm an operator by choice and see that siding as a perfect opportunity to add a small customer or a team track to spot a car or two. A railroad doesn't exist to merely run trains...it needs customers.

Bob

I agree with Bob and others who suggest adding a siding.  You posted that you have a large 4 track yard so I suppose you have a run around track for that?  

Sadly, no.  I just put a Ross 4-way to use, so it's one track in and out.  I figured it was better than not having a yard.