03-17-2010, 07:32 PM
There aren't a great many variations in a straight yard. What would be more important: maximize track length or keep track lengths the same? Do you have control of where the tracks come into the yard? and how many?
The way to make the track lengths the same in a single-ended yard is a compound ladder: incoming track splits then each of those tracks splits, then split again (like a hump yard).
A double-ended yard could have that feature twice, or you could have a diagonal ladder going in and another diagonal ladder with the same hand switches going out. (one end is going to have a big reverse curve.) If you use different handed switches at each end you will have tracks of different lengths which may be acceptable or even desirable for your operating pattern (one long trains, some middling length, and a few shorties.)
The way to make the track lengths the same in a single-ended yard is a compound ladder: incoming track splits then each of those tracks splits, then split again (like a hump yard).
A double-ended yard could have that feature twice, or you could have a diagonal ladder going in and another diagonal ladder with the same hand switches going out. (one end is going to have a big reverse curve.) If you use different handed switches at each end you will have tracks of different lengths which may be acceptable or even desirable for your operating pattern (one long trains, some middling length, and a few shorties.)
David
Moderato ma non troppo
Perth & Exeter Railway Company
Esquesing & Chinguacousy Radial Railway
In model railroading, there are between six and two hundred ways of performing a given task.
Most modellers can get two of them to work.
Moderato ma non troppo
Perth & Exeter Railway Company
Esquesing & Chinguacousy Radial Railway
In model railroading, there are between six and two hundred ways of performing a given task.
Most modellers can get two of them to work.