4.2.1.8 Yard ladder turnout template

Prototype Information

See 0.4.8 Yard for additional information. xxx

The WWSL

The WWSL has two major yards, Demaine Yard at Montesano, and Coal Yard at Coal Grove.

Demain Yard. Demaine Yard is designed as a wye yard, with yard ladders extending left and right of the single yard lead. The yard lead and ladder tracks are Shinohara / Walther No. 6 turnouts. The yard track center to centers are 2 inches.

Coal Grove. Coal Grove is designed as a diamond yard with an empty yard lead at one end and a load yard lead at the other. The yard lead and ladder tracks are Shinohara / Walther No. 5 turnouts. The yard track center to centers are 2.5 inches (the yard tracks are loading tracks running underneath the O.K.Coal Company tipple.

Yard ladder turnout emplates

For yard track ladder layout, I made a yard ladder turnout template to make it easier to identify turnout requirements and placement. 

The jig is a construction paper template. The long edge of the template is aligned along the main axis of the yard. The yard ladder angles off the long edge of the template. The diverging angle is the turnout frog angle. For a No. 6 turnout, the angle is xxx degrees, a No. 5 turnout, the angle is xxx degrees.

For turnout layout purposes, I use the unit method of measure. A No. 6 turnout runs one diverging unit for every 6 straight units. a No. 5 turnout runs one diverging unit for every 5 straight units.

Here is a copy of the template as it is designed. 

pic xxxx

Laying out the yard.

1. Lay out the yard lead, and the yard track lines according to the track center specifications. 

2. Lay out the jig along the yard lead line.

3. Adjust the jig forward or backwards on the yard lead line until placement is to your satisfaction.

4. Mark the yard ladder line. This line reflects the straight side of the turnout for final placement and glue down.

5. Place turnout templates at the intersection of yard track and ladder track layout lines.

 Note: If you are using Tortoise Switch machines, you need to check underside clearance for control rods, etc. from whatever subroadbed obstacles.