The Factors that Determine the Operational Capacity of a Railroad

November 21, 2012

Smooth operation is critical for the efficiency and profitability of real railroads. Applying these techniques can also make the hobby of model railroading even more enjoyable.

Article supplied courtesy of the online Model Train Club.

Whether you are operating your model railroad just casually for fun, or whether you are trying to replicate actual operations of a real railroad, there are various factors to consider. After all, there is no point in just having trains backed-up with nowhere to go. A real railroad would come to a standstill (and soon go broke) without properly managed train operations. Even on a model railroad, complete disorder and confusion and quickly develop without properly organized train movements. Factors to take into account include:

Line Capacity:

– the number of tracks available
– the geography, gradients (mountains), number of bridges, tunnels etc.
– the mix of trains (passenger, freight etc) – schedules, type of service
– the number and the horsepower of loco’s – train length and weight
– the type and the spacing of the control system
– the number, the spacing, and the length of sidings
– the operating and maintenance plans – type of signals, spacing etc.

Yard Capacity:

– the space available – total acreage (or square footage on a model layout)
– the number of tracks
– container storage slots

Equipment Capacity:

– locomotives
– cars
– containers/trailers

Crew Capacity:

– yard crews
– maintenance crews
– crew rosters

Although most railroads would like to operate at 100% capacity (to maximize profits), it is not usually feasible or economic to do so. A target of 70% to 80% is usually more realistic. In fact; industry practices generally require standards to ensure fluidity of operations and to avoid major operational issues at track choke-points.

Various factors can influence efficiency and the practicality of running a line at full capacity including:

– Maintenance – railway lines need maintenance from time to time which can delay schedules
– Traffic volumes will vary throughout the day
– Weather can cause disruptions, damage, as well as cause unexpected and compounding delays across a railroad

To try and increase the operational capacity above an effective level can be problematic. It could be achieved by deferring maintenance, but this could affect future capacity if there is a signal breakdown or derailment that could have been prevented with regular maintenance. It could reduce the railroad’s ability to react to a situation and/or increase the recovery time following a delay or stoppage. This could affect reliability, customer satisfaction, and potentially impact the profitability and reputation of the railroad.

Efficient train operation therefore needs to (among other things) :

– Identify timetable/schedule conflicts or potential delays
– Manage time-distance and time-space between trains
– Manage train priorities, schedules, train size and type, power, direction, connections, drop-offs and pick-ups
– Identify potential slots where new services could be added
– Strategically plan and schedule track and signal maintenance (apply/remove speed restrictions)
– Manage resources – personal (crews), and trains (trip times, locomotive miles etc)

These are the kinds of day to day challenges facing a normal real-sized railroad, so why not apply similar conditions to your model railroad layout? Replicating real life conditions can add considerable operational interest to a layout and make the hobby so much more enjoyable!

Article supplied courtesy of the online Model Train Club.