Yard Lead

A yard lead extends the opposite direction from a yard ladder, allowing a switcher to work without fouling the main. Note the crossover that allows trains to enter/exit the yard from the main. The yard lead may connect back into the main at the far end (to the left in this sketch) to allow an additional path into and out of the yard when things are congested, but that is optional. Also discussed here: http://mrsvc.blogspot.com/2010/01/theory-vs-practice-1-yard-leads.html