Question about how to configure a yard tree. I use Unitrak and am just curious how people lay these yards out. I know a lot depends on space but the basic tree is what I am interested in learning about. Pictures are always helpful.
A train yard can be laid out just about any way you would like it. A yard could be anything from two tracks to ? Just depends on how big you need it and how much room you have. Don
I kinda know that. But, there is a basic "tree" configuration that is used and I'm wondering if somebody point me in the right direction as to how to set that kind of thing up. :lightning:
I don't know a specific answer to your question, I am interested in this also but have you looked at various railyards on Google Earth? I, too, plan on building a yard using Unitrack. Charlie
Thanks Charlie. I think eventually somebody will have a pic of their layout that incorporates one of the "trees" I'm trying to explain. Google Earth? No, I haven't yet. That's a good suggestion though. Just not sure how to convert "real" into "Unitrak".
Here is a picture from Mike Fifer's layout. It is kinda of what I'm thinking about -- sort of...just not totally sure of the pieces he used. Mayber I'll PM him.
Here is my small layout. It is 7' X 34". I guess you would call it a "door layout" even thought it isn't on a door, but it is about door size. I used Kato unitrac, and due to the small size of the layout, used Kato #4 turnouts. You can see in the plan that I have a small switching yard. Basically, it is a manintenace type of thing tho, with engine sheds and the little backwards spur at the end of one leg is a small little maintenance spur where a single car can be placed there for maintenance. It isn''t designed on any sort of prototype, just pretty much my own thang.. I hope it helps some..
From the photo of Mike's yard, it appears those are all #6 turnouts, with the exception, possibly, of the left most, closest to the camera, which may be a #4 (based on the track spacing). The real trick on yards is the amount of space you have, plus what you want to do with them. Are they mostly for storage, or do you want an operational classification yard? One way, or enter/exit in both directions? And, the amount of space (did I say that already?) Here you can see a part of the yard on my JACALAR RR. (Don't worry about tracks not being quite parallel, nothing was tacked down yet). This is a mix of #4 and #6 turnouts. #4's are the line of branches, the #6's you can see the shiny frogs. Later down, I also have some double crossovers at the other end of some of tracks, so that locos that "pull in" can disconnect and work their way out. All the tracks which curve around converge on leads to the roundhouse/turntable The three rightmost/upper tracks in this photo are the mains, the inner two of which are an autoreverse loop around/under the roundhouse/engine facility (these are very early photos of the layout in the planning stages).
Excellent Tudor and Rick.. Thanks for the pictures it helps. My will be an staging yard (small) as I'm not much into operations but more into running trains. Want it anyway cuz it looks cool. And yes it will be a one way situation because of space and the levels I have. Some good ideas Rcik that I can play with!
You can also ask in the Unitrack TrainBoard Group. Maybe some of those folks have photos for you. Charlie
It all depends on what the yard is used for like simple staging, but I assume you are looking for a working clasification yard. Try this link, http://www.housatonicrr.com/yard_des.html There is much to consider as you may be a lone operator or run with a group. This is important as you may want to avoid fouling the main when working the yard and that requirement will create more length in the yard ladder. MR has some good books on this to. Heres my yard. The mainline is the empty track just left of the two SP trains that are sitting on the Arrival/Departure tracks. While looking down the tracks from where the switcher is the main is on the left and has dirrect access to all three where the Tail/Drill track the switcher is on has dirrect access to only the A/D tracks and then the rest of the classification tracks and yard. This probably muddled it up a bit for you but the supplied link can explain some of this.
Nope, John...just a staging yard. I like your yard but I sure don't have that kind of room.. I have something kind of set up and I'll take a pic or two and post it.
Try goole earth, and look at Clyde Yard (BN Yard in Chicago) or Proviso (CNW/UP Yard in Chicago or Bensinville (Milwaukee/Soo/CPRail) in Chicago. Might give an idea.
Yards Of The JJJ&E TrainJid: Here is the Yard of the JJJ&E. It is seventeen feet long. All the turnouts are #6 Unitrack turnouts.
Have a look at information on a 'compound yard ladder'. This is a John Armstrong discussion on that important concept for you: Track planning for realistic ... - Google Books Hope this helps!
This is Pond Yard on the All Day & Night. I was working on ballasting when this picture was taken. That is why it looks kind of nasty. This is the ladder going into the Shops. Pond Yard is to the left. The siding and the small two track yard are the interchange. This is called Front Yard.
If you need the tech specs on spacing for Unitrack, there are pdf files for that on their website. http://www.katousa.com/track-plans/n-plans.html Scroll down to the bottom.
Wow Bob...that is a great looking yard. Seventeen feet huh? I have about 4'... Thanks for sharing that picture though it's great! It is exactly what I was looking for. I think, unfortunately, I don't have the room I need to have it look like that. But thank you very much for that link!
Hi Tad...more great ideas. Thank you very much for taking the time to post those pictures. I'm starting to get some ideas.
