Like most modelers I have more locomotives than I can run. I keep the extras in a dresser drawer and periodically exchange them with those on the layout for variety. Looking through some old Model Railroader articles I found one from June 1982 about engine facilties. It mentioned that locos are often serviced at intermediate points along the line.
Looking at my layout's track plan for the small yard at West Mill Jct. I decided to convert this little used yard into an engine facility. I planned to use the yard for making up small locals or as an interchange yard, but mostly I use it to store freight cars. Time to see if I can make it more interesting.
Here's the plan:
The siding can hold six freight cars while the spurs accomodate up to nine. These spaces will work great for my locomotive lash ups since even my three unit U28Bs will fit on the siding without a problem. I'm imagining operations like this:
1. A train from a hidden siding emerges from a tunnel from the West. It stops before the East end of the yard so the locos can uncouple and back into the siding.
2. A serviced set of locos on Spur 1 or 2 rolls out and couples onto the train, and away it goes.
3. The locos on the siding move to Spur 1 or 2 for service asnd wait for the next rotation.
4. Sand cars and a tanker of fuel can be spotted at the end of spur 1, adding to operational interest.
I need to build sanding towers and fueling hoses. Stay tuned! I can't wait to get those locos out of the drawer and see how they look gathered together in the yard.
Ralph
Looking at my layout's track plan for the small yard at West Mill Jct. I decided to convert this little used yard into an engine facility. I planned to use the yard for making up small locals or as an interchange yard, but mostly I use it to store freight cars. Time to see if I can make it more interesting.
Here's the plan:
The siding can hold six freight cars while the spurs accomodate up to nine. These spaces will work great for my locomotive lash ups since even my three unit U28Bs will fit on the siding without a problem. I'm imagining operations like this:
1. A train from a hidden siding emerges from a tunnel from the West. It stops before the East end of the yard so the locos can uncouple and back into the siding.
2. A serviced set of locos on Spur 1 or 2 rolls out and couples onto the train, and away it goes.
3. The locos on the siding move to Spur 1 or 2 for service asnd wait for the next rotation.
4. Sand cars and a tanker of fuel can be spotted at the end of spur 1, adding to operational interest.
I need to build sanding towers and fueling hoses. Stay tuned! I can't wait to get those locos out of the drawer and see how they look gathered together in the yard.
Ralph