Input on a "Temporary" Shelf Track Plan

[Brakie]

I like #1. Looking at how long your spurs are, that is the only track plan that would allow you to run around more than 1 or 2 cars, and your capacity on your spurs would allow as many cars as you could fit in between the two switches in the top track of #1.

Russ,Just because the capacity is there is no sign it needs to be used..One spot at the end of the siding could be for a tank car or covered hopper and both can take up to 2 days to unload.

Also again do you think the warehouse owners would be happy with their track being used as a around around? After all not only does the industry own their track but, a forklift operator will be standing round on the clock while you make your run around moves-such moves can take up to 45 minutes including the removal of the empties and spotting of the car(s) at the industry being switch and then respotting the car(s) that had to be moved.Which brings up a question..Where you going to spot these cars where they would be out of the way? Other industries wouldn't want you to use their track.

I suspect your agent would hear these words"Sorry,but,we will be using trucks for all our needs".

Over the years I found the best urban ISL plan is one that follows prototype practices in tight urban industrial areas and that of course calls for thinking outside of the outdated switching layout ideas put forth over the years in books and magazines by the so called layout design "experts"..

There is hope for improved ISL designs based on prototype practices..Lance Mindheim seems to be on the cutting edge of modern ISL designs that follows prototypical practices.Of course such ideas isn't new and been around for several years but,never made print until MR ran a article on Lance's East Rail.

Even the above designs is based on the end of a urban industrial branch or a industrial complex where space would be at a premium and would be off the main line..After all you are looking at 2-4 hours work to switch those industries in the real world.