Southern Pacific Switching Layout

[Brakie]

I have been looking at Ed's version of Lance's Palmetto Spur, I really would like to build a layout like that with only 4 turnouts and all turnouts facing the same direction. I think a runaround is a waste of space most of the time.

Its only a waste of space if you don't need to get to the locomotive or cars to the other side of a train. Besides, I don't think it takes up to much space in the grand scheme of things, they aren't very wide and they don't interupt track work that much. Its up to you. If you build the way you say now, than no, you don't need a run around. Besides, its not like your train is really going anywhere. once you switch all your industries, you're going to just reset the cars anyway.

There's a lot more to ISL operation then just "resetting the cars"..A good rotation plan is a must..The cars you picked up today must be removed and another inbound cut be placed on the layout.

I don't recall seeing many runarounds in industrial areas in fact many urban branch lines didn't have them-we pulled or reverse into the branch.Even today runarounds seems far and few between since a lot of locals still uses cabooses for long reverse moves or a locomotive on each end..

There is a reason for that..

The amount of work required to make a runaround takes time-lots of time since you must make a three step for in between,set handbrake on at least three cars,close air valves,release the three step and uncouple,pull to the switch,stop and unlock and line the switch,pull ahead,stop,close and lock the switch,pull ahead stop short of the switch,unlock and open the switch,pull clear of the switch,close and lock the switch,reverse back to your train,stop,check coupler alignment,couple to train,apply the three step,in between,connect the air hoses,open air valves,walk to the rear of the train checking air hoses and make sure all air line valves are open and release the handbrakes,walk back to the engine and pump up the air,make a brake test..

Of course back in the day we had 2 men to do the work plus we would need to switch the caboose to the proper end of the train or we may elect to reverse move(caboose lead) back to the yard.