In looking at this month's photo in the 2011 UP calendar of the recently constructed Marysville, Kansas yard it appears that the yard track spacing is much wider than usual. A closer look using Google Maps at the US Hwy 77 overpass photo location gives me the same impression. Is this just an optical illusion? I thought real estate didn't come cheap and you packed in as much track as possible when it came to yard construction. Are there new mandates or is wider yard track spacing becoming more desirable on the 1:1 railroads? I may have to drive out to see for myself. Jerry
I think the tracks are widely spaced because of the service vehicles that must be able to inspect trains, deliver crews, etc. The land used was Blue River bottom land that probably was purchased at a decent price and also the UP can get just about anything it wants because it contributes quite a bit to the local economy.
Thanks Jeff for your insight. It did look like there is a road of some sorts between each yard track. Your explanation makes sense. That raises a question, is the Marysville yard the only one of its kind using such a design? Jerry
