HO Freelance Shelf / Switching Layout

[sailormatlac]

I like the layout design and it sounds like you have nice concept forming. As for the switchback, let me interject that while a switchback is not optimal, it is not at all unprototypical. (Is that a word?). For quite some time I was under the impression that switchbacks were completely unrealistc, due to so many "expert" modelers saying that the real railroads "would never do that". To be true, they are inconvenient and avoided when possible. But in researching prototype track layouts and through some diligent use of google earth I have found that a switchback into an industry -while not common- is not as rare as I was lead to believe. For this reason I included one in the industrial area on my layout.

Look forward to watching your progress!

Dave

The problem with switchbacks on a layout is the lack of space. They quickly became very cramped. Most I've seen on real prototypes weren't huge, but still had enough place to work around cars without too much inconvenient (I'm well aware of places were it was not that simple!). They have to be properly designed in term of cars they can handle and how each industry interact with the other.

That said, we planned to scrap our last switchback on the club layout yesterday, however, a new one, working like an independant switching lead for a large cement plant will be built.

Matt