Help with Yard Track Plan

the caboose track looks good. I like the way the plan flows now, you can run two trains and do a little yard work without interfering with the running trains. Or run one train while servicing the industries on the inside loop. Should be able to have a good amount of fun with this one.

 

Thanks badlandnp!

 

Love the decision on DCC-EX. Love it myself.

Agree, it should be fun to operate.

I do have one thing to maybe consider....



Moving the two main tracks down just a bit at the top would keep both of them free when working the yard in most cases. Like the yard plan. Well thought out .

Sumner

 

Thanks Sumner! I will take a look at your suggestions and see if I can incorporate the changes when I get to a computer. I may need to come back to you for clarity on the top section, but looks interesting.

Thanks,
Michael

 

I would avoid a yard on a small layout. An interchange with one or two long storage tracks would serve it well.

 

I say this as it removes many complexities that come with a yard. Things like a lead track, arrival/departure tracks, and service tracks would not be needed at an interchange. A/D and lead tracks add quite a bit of length to the needs of the yard where an interchange would not. The mainline or siding would serve as the shoving/lead track and be fun to run.

 

Thanks, jhn, do you have an example of what this might look like? Sounds like it might be less switches which could be a good thing, saving me some money. I am open to ideas. Though I like what I have drawn up so far.

Thanks,
Michael

 

I see two reverse loops and three crossovers; one of which is a double.

 

I'd gap the reversing section like above to make it longer so you could run a longer train through it. Personally I don't see much need for the double crossover at the bottom. If I had it I'd probably replace the single crossover on the right side with it. Might be nice to have more options by the reversing section and/or approaching the yard turnout above it.

Sumner

 

Thanks Sumner, I will keep those suggestions in mind. I figured out the turnouts to the yard. I had already decided to remove the double crossover. I replaced it with a single crossover, and added a turnout in that location for an off the table destination since I lost the one at the top right when changing it to a yard lead. I realized that I had used #4 turnouts on the main, so I swapped them out for #6s. I was keeping the minimum radius on the main to 14", the inside return loop is just under 14.

Thank you everyone for all the suggestions.

Here is the latest:

 

That's a really nice plan!