ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.
I've been thinking about using something like this layout with a few minor adjustments, however I'm noticing the dead end siding positions make it impossible to back a train in to drop off or pick up cars at all positions with a single loco, or is my mind not working? It looks like the 4-track yard in the bottom right requires clockwise travel, while the industry tracks at the top middle require counter clockwise travel. Seems the same train (consist?) couldn't pick up a load of cars at the top-middle and deliver them to the 4-track yard bottom right and drop them off? I would assume the procedure with dead end track is to back the cars in, and drive the loco away for a different load elsewhere. My original plan was to limit myself to a 4 x 8 layout but this design allows for the added yard for parking rolling stock and maybe some intermodal work. Also curious if there's a more detailed grid plan of this or similar layout floating around.
I'm assuming you read the article(s) online? If not, and for those interested, I would recommend it: Part 1 Part 2
Looks like they had it set up for clockwise running. The yard in the middle does have a bit of a run around. The one on the side would be back in only.
Assuming clockwise running, which would allow backing freight cars into the 4 track yard (bottom right), how would a loco drop off cars at buildings A, B and C and then drive off? I suppose a short train with 3 or 4 cars could manage it using the switch at building C to allow the loco to swap which end of the train it's on through a series of moves, but otherwise, isn't this layout rather limited operations wise?
I would say back the full load into the 4 track yard, separate the car you want to deliver (up to 4, maybe?) and drive into town on the dead ended siding. Separate in front of building C and run around the cars and hook up from the back. Then you can shunt them into their perspective businesses.
Neat track plan!
I can see a switcher keeping busy in town.
You could move the switch for the spur going to building G next to the switch by building D then put another switch where “270” is to make it a double ended siding.
That would make running a train counter clockwise a little more feasible?
I like the idea of the 4 x 8 layout with the addition of a yard leg at one end forming the L, but I'm not sure about this particular layout. I want to have a double main loop and a switch yard in any design, and some industries in the middle, and the ability to back into yards running in both directions, using 2 or more locos if necessary. I'm up around 50 cars of rolling stock, and still adding, so I need yards to park them. At the same time, my original goal was to limit my layout to a 4 x 8 which ain't gonna happen now. Perhaps I'll find a 4 x 8 layout I like, and then incorporate a staging yard into it, as per this Black River plan.
Actually that's a good layout, and can be easily tweaked for a double main. I like that all the yards allow for backing in with minimal fiddling. It might even allow me to confine my layout to a 4 x 8, with the ease of expanding to an L layout if needed in the future. The yard area can even likely hold my extra cars without being cramped. Thanks for that. I would imagine the innermost curve at the top must be an 18" or even 15", but I'm running all 4 axle diesels and 40-60' rolling stock so it should be ok. I have no plans for passenger trains or auto racks so that may not be an issue.
As I recall the spur or branch line in the middle is elevated, or could easily be done.
That could allow for a bridge over the main and another possible extension.
