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Car Capacity for Industries and Yards
Warren posted this question:
“I’m planning on extending the ‘L” part to my HO layout bringing the end size to 10ft x 6ft L shaped. The bulk of the extension will be for my new yard but I don’t want to have it bigger than it needs to be for efficient operation. I would be interested in feedback on suggested car capacity because I don’t want it too congested. I have about 25% capacity in my industries if that helps.”
Add a comment under this post if you can assist Warren.
7 Responses to Car Capacity for Industries and Yards
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I use max of 10 cars for each my container yard has 8 my grain silo has5 my storage yards have 10 im happy add as many size tracks as you want
You will need to tell us industry and era?
You can fit many more cars if you are in the 30-60’s. Boxcars snd flats were 40 or 36. Tank cars were 32,36 and maybe 40. If later years then all cars were extended 50 and 60 feet or more taking away 25% of your potential capacity.
I think this comes under the heading of “It’s your railroad”. Do what ever you feel is right. If I had that amount of space I’d pack it with cars. Just me.
I agree with Jim, it’s your railroad. Keeping in mind, the more modern cars are 50′ to 60′ in length.
depends on the industries. My grain elevator 8-9 gain hoppers. My Sunkist dealer can hold 3 50′ or 4 40′ reefers. Using shorter cars 40′ or less will be easier to with. Avoid cars longer than 60′
After working 30+ years as a yard switchman, I would recommend your yard capacity be 15 -20% larger than the number cars you want to work with and also have at least one clear track each for inbound and outbound trains. This should give you plenty of room for switching operations
Thanks guys for the advice.