Railyards

[cityhawk]

Where are railyards usually located? Like, do they have to end beside a busy port? Can they be at the very end of all rail lines and not have to associate with a port? And what is a typical layout? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Craig

[SC4BOY]

If you go over to Simtropolis and check on some lots, threads, etc done by northcountrydude (or sometimes NCD) you will find he has had a number of discusisons on this issue.. He was an early advocate of "real looking" railroads

[figui]

also, looking in google earth would give you lots of ideas

mauricio.

[Pat]

Here you go is some of NCD's Great Stuff [linkie]

[Frankie]

Where are railyards usually located? Like, do they have to end beside a busy port? Can they be at the very end of all rail lines and not have to associate with a port? And what is a typical layout? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Craig

Well there really isn't a specific layout that applies for every situation. In the real world, railyards are usually located either just outside of major cities and towns (for expansion space, and for sorting) or they can be near industrial parks and ports. (sometimes even airports). You might want to located a yard just outside your industrial areas (since local trains usually have to bring in cars from local industries so they can be sorted for shipment throughout the country). Rarely do tracks actually end a yards (else they don't have space to work both ends of it). They usually either interchange in to another railroad, or terminate in an industrial area.

I made a crude diagram to sort of explain what I mean. (remember, this is an example only, demonstrating one of MANY different setups that real railroads use.



Notice that the Port Lead and Industrial Spurs all funnel traffic to the yard. While yes, some railyards are located in downtown areas, usually railroads re-locate to the suburbs or outskirts of the city. I also made an example interchange, where perhaps track ownership changes, or it is just another track to another city, be creative.

Also, as the previous poster said, NCD has some great lots that can diversify your railroad infrastructure.