Model Railroad Yard Operations - RIP Tracks

[@jhoodfysh]

Hi Ron, that was a very helpful video, thank you. I especially appreciated seeing your car card storage rack and how you operate it.

[@DIYDigitalRailroad]

I have a yard I am planning on building in the next year. This would be perfect! You're videos are awesome. You've inspired me to make my own youtube train videos! Thanks for all the tips!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

That's awesome. I will be sure to check those out. If I can help in any way or offer any advice let me know.

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

I really like how you had the detection system set up along with the car cards. It gives it a nice operational aspect and randomizes it.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks.

[@brianburns7211]

I forgot to mention one common repair. You partially mentioned it, but it is brake valve inspection. Cars have the black square stencil, and it notes the type of brake valve, and its last inspection date. The carmen have a device with air gauges, and valves. It tests the brake valve leakage, and reaction to changes in air pressure. Sometimes the valves need to be replaced. Both the emergency and service portions bolt right on.

[@CreativeRails]

Hi Ron, I finally got a chance to watch this video. Thanks so much for posting it! I've been looking for a long time on how to implement my prototypical 'bad order' forms. And your bad order cards are just the ticket! Thanks so much and keep up the great work!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Awesome. If you find any tweaks that help you make it work, let me know.

[@chazco]

Love your opening sense of humor. And the closing The whole video was most educational. Chuck

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks so much, Chuck. I try to make them a little entertaining when I can.

[@eligarretson6416]

thanks for listening to the request, a lot of great info i did not know about. the yard is something i am trying to learn well before i build one on my layout. so keep it coming sir!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I have a few more yard design/ops ideas for video over the next couple months, so keep watching.

[@eligarretson6416]

will do i hope to start the yard by the winter early fall, the bench work is complete for the most part. but this will be the largest layout i have had at 45 feet. so i want to take my time and make sure it will be fun to run yard ops.

[@BriangjohnsonTv]

That is such a cool train room, bam!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks, Brian. So glad you check out my videos. Thanks. 👍👍

[@clea9676]

Wow...simple random cool. easy to add to a layout. thank you. great channel

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks so much. Glad you found it helpful.

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@TMandN]

Very interesting and informative. Like the use of car forwarding on the front facial.Thank you for sharing this!

[@N-Scale]

I love it and I intended to use defect cards at home and the club , if we ever get that far. Mike

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

LOL, Mike. I totally know that feeling.

[@jolliemark6294]

Good show Ron, I had always wonder about the RIP track but your disruption helped me to understand it much better, thanks for sharing...😄

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks.

[@EagleValleyModelRailroad]

Great video Ron, Thanks for sharing.-Ed

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks, Ed.

[@danielhackett8294]

Great video Ron. I like the defect card system, adding a realistic sense of randomness to your operating sessions. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@AndyCrawford_NorfolkWestern]

Good job, as always, Ron! And I love "universal" industries, rip tracks, team tracks, interchanges, and especially float barges. Very valuable on smaller layouts, and give us massive freight car movement and diversity that would otherwise be rather unbelievable. I would suggest a RIP track for anyone modeling a yard for sure, and plan car failures into your car forwarding plan, by having a special function called at a certain time causing that car to need to be cut out in place. This gives another job for a local to pick this up and move it to the RIP track. Or, as I often recommend, skip the modeling of a yard and focus around a small interchange yard, as I have. While I can't put a RIP track on my current layout, since the N&W didn't have one anywhere in the 18 mile section I'm trying to do justice to, I do have several "universal" industries, an interchange with yard, as well as a team track. I think a video on how to make a believable team track and how to add reasonable operations to that. Regardless, good job brother.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks, Andy. I have had large numbers of requests for more videos on yard design and operations. I have a modern day team track on my layout and plan a video on that aspect of yard ops--another universal industry as you say--in the not-too-distant future. Thanks again for the comment.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

...unfortunately for me there are no float barges in north Texas or Central Colorado.😂

[@stretchlimo7275]

Always wondered what a RIP track was, thanks for the video explaining it👍🏼😎

[@davidmuse7004]

Ron, this series you are doing on Yards is awesome! Yards hold more interest for me in their operations than other aspect of railroading. I will be able to start working on my layout again soon, but the focus will be on the yard!!! These arre great videos you have produced and I enjoy and learn from them! Thank you for your time and effort. David Muse

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks, David. I share your facination with yard ops.

[@brianburns7211]

I like your idea about random defect cards. There is a company that does make defect detectors for model railroads. They can be programmed to generate defects randomly, at a pre determined frequency. One other way for choosing bad order cars, or cripples, as northeast roads call them is the inbound inspection. When a train arrives in a receiving track, first the power cuts off. Next, the car inspectors blue flag the track. All types of defects could be found, which are additional to those mentioned. Sometimes the grab irons get bent. They must have 2” clearance to the car body. Insecure loads are looked at too, such as a lumber car. The banding of the lumber bundles may have broken. Another common item is jammed plug door boxcars. They can’t go if the door isn’t secure. Sometimes they make big wooden wedges. These are hammered between the door, and its track, which is a temporary fix.This is all done before the track is switched. The car inspector gives the yardmaster a list of any cripples found. The yard crew kicks then to a track, where they will be spotted later on the RIP. Some receiving yards have tracks spaced widely apart. This is so a Gator, or even a truck can drive between the tracks. Sometimes small repairs are done in place. This might include changing brake shoes. or bending grab irons. This saves time. The car can go through, and doesn’t miss its connection. The time of switching it out is saved too.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

That is great info, Brian. Thanks for sharing it. This gives all sorts of alternative way to model RIP operations.

[@douglaskirk2543]

Great Idea, Thanks

[@brucegiroux]

I really like this video and the content. I will be adding the RIP element to my operations for variety on my small and simple layout. Thanks Ron.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

That is the beauty of RIP operations. All you need is one short track, long enough to hold 1 or 2 cars, to do it. Many RiP tracks have no structure associated with the except maybe a tool shed or (in modern era) an old shipping container for tools and parts.

[@MikeThomasRailRoadOverhaul]

Well I learned somethings today. Thanks for explaining RIP.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Awesome. Thanks for watching.

[@MikeThomasRailRoadOverhaul]

I just got done doing a video or a Weather to couple buildings and one of the buildings is a open shed looking but type of building which would be perfect for a rip yard layout also have a couple small buildings that I did the weathering on as well in the same video and they also would be perfect so I think after watching your video I am going to create a rift track since I already have the buildings to do it and feel free to check out the video I just posted on my site

[@sparky107107]

that was a great video. I have never heard that term before, but looks easy enough to add to a layout. and some added fun running trains.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Hey Sparky. Yes, that's the beauty of a repair track. You can model one with just a short piece of track and it adds a lot of interest with a universal industry. You can put one almost anywhere, it doesn't even have to be in a yard.

[@ejejeff1722]

Very useful info, and well demonstrated,. Thanks for another great video Ron!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks so much.

[@bobainsworth5057]

Wish I had room for this on my layout. Great operational concept. Wonder if you put cars that actually need work found during ops. . On RIP track to be fixed asap after ops.?

[@maxheadroom7687]

Great idea and very informative Ron. Think I might use this idea.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

It adds some variety to even through manifest trains that otherwise might just pass across the layout. I really like this ops function.

[@lescanadiensrule]

Very informative...thanks :)

[@hrstang001]

Supper great info and detail to real life operation ? did you make the TWD cards and the red cards if not were did you get them thanks joe

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I printed them myself on cardstock

[@hrstang001]

Ok thanks for the idea

[@dwightatnorthernstar1820]

Thanks Ron

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for watching.

[@HobbyAdventureYT]

Very cool Ron. Thanks for the class.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@sharkzf6]

I really enjoy your videos Ron! Thanks!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@jimaz6532]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and demonstration for this railroad service. Really neat. Subbed as well. 🚂

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks, Jim, and welcome.

[@JoRoderick]

This is an interesting insight into the model trains passion. I've always wondered what you do next once you complete your terraforming landscape.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Well, some of us try to operate the thing as if it were the real thing. It is an interesting puzzle to try to make the model act and work like the prototype.

[@JoRoderick]

Agreed. It adds a new level of experience. When I create architecture for the Sims channel I started, my main focus is also on realism and making sure it can actually function.

[@colnagocowboy]

In smaller facilities didnt they place a sign behind the car indicating it was not to moved until repaired.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes, a blue sign or flag.

[@jeffwardlow4626]

Hi Ron great video I have a question how do you know how many tracks go on the inside and outside of a rip track? Or for any industry?

[@jimstraba5772]

Ron, did I make a big mistake by going with three rail AC? I can’t find an Internet site that covers all the different subjects like you do for an AC especially track laying elevation and curves. I’m not fluent in German.

[@alexweis9706]

good job ron i love your vídeos

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks Alex. 👍

[@odalesaylor]

Great work. I have to subscribe so I don't miss anything.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks and welcome.

[@LegionOfWeirdos]

I saw the title and thought "rest in peace"... I thought you were going to rip up some track! 😆 So basically a RIP track is a place you don't want your car to end up if you're the owner or shipper.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Exactly...and who says click bait doesn't work. LOL.

[@DruSteel69]

LOL - great intro. Thanks for sharing. That’s new to me. - Drew

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks.

[@brianburns7211]

I forgot a couple of points, which should have been mentioned in my last post. Part of this somewhat goes along with the yard design video. One thing also done on the inbound inspection is bleeding the cars. When the engine cuts away, the cars go into emergency, and the brakes apply. Some yards require the engineer to bring the brake pipe to 0 psi at a service rate. This way the carmen can see them with a service set. The brakes in either case would stay applied until the air finally and eventually leaked out. Bleeding the brake values releases the brakes, so the cars can be kicked into the appropriate track. A defect which could easily be randomly selected is the dates of the brake valve inspection. If it becomes due, a car is placed on the RIP, or cripple track for inspection. Sometimes the service or emergency portion of the control valve are replaced. In past eras, the old plain bearing cars needed to have the journal boxes repacked too. This was supposed to happen at some interval.

[@garycoulier]

Looking to start my first layout - not sure of my plan yet, but my dad worked in a tower in Grand Rapids, MI and changed the track on a switch board for a bunch of years. Would be cool to include part of that in my layout.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Cool video Ron! I'd like to give that a shot sometime!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

It is a pretty easy universal industry to model and can be done almost anywhere you have a track for even one or two cars.

[@lionellance]

Great job.. cool idea.. thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.. Lance

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@Navarrete993]

Do you have a list of things to put on rip cards?

[@jamesboudreau9132]

Great video. I learned a lot. Question did you made your own RIP cards?

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes, I used a business card template in MS Word and printed them on card stock.

[@Navarrete993]

What would be a list of defects i could put on each card ?

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I just use hot bearing and dragging equipment.

[@IMRROcom]

I have a South Yard on my layout with a RIP track, Just wondering is North yard the other half of the yard I need to give my yard a full name? If so I name it Allmyard.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I like that. LOL.

[@markjolyn94]

Great video!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks.

[@neilbuilds7475]

Can the car go to the RIP track with a full load? Or will the load have to be transferred first?

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes, they often must be repaired while loaded.

[@jbdbackfan]

Ron do you have a track plan somewhere we can see of your yard? Want to incorporate some of your ideas.

[@jpkarenko6952]

I am a total novice regarding yards/operations. Two questions abour RIP's: Do locomotives get fixed on a RIP? And, did you freelance the facility or is it a kit? If a kit, what kind? Thanks.

[@25mfd]

RIP track is for railcars only... locomotives are worked on at the locomotive shop

[@robertwilson4606]

Did you scratch build your RIP structure? I have been looking for something similar but cannot find one.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes I did. It is a very simple structure with ribbed steel shaped styrene for the roof/siding and structural members made of ABS I beams.

[@kimolsen3297]

Hi Ron, I'm Kim a new N modeler. Been looking on the internet and don't find anything so I thought I'd ask you. What can you tell me about loco consisting made up from sound and non-sound locos? Is this doable? Is the BLI loco going to work with a plain dcc kato loco? I thought about this as a money saving measure as the sound locos are pretty salty price wise. Let me know what you know, thanks for your insight. Bye for now!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

All of my sound equipped locomotives are consisted with other non sound equipped locomotives. The mixing of a sound decoder and non sound decoder is no problem. The mixing of different brand decoders shouldn't be a problem. The biggest issue you will face is getting the locomotives speed matched. I have been planning to do a video on speed matching but haven't gotten it done yet. The fastest and easiest way is to buy a scale speedometer and use jmri decoder Pro to set speed tables so that their speeds match. Forgive me if I'm talking above your experience level there, but that will be your main issue is getting the locomotives to run the same speed at various speed steps when consisted together.

[@codyrapp7253]

Grate pun

[@alderusdmc]

Would RIP operations be handled differently with passenger trains? I cannot imagine a train conductor telling passengers that they need to move either further up or further back in the train because of said car needing repairs.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes, a passenger car in need of repair would be set out. To continue to haul passengers in a damaged car would be safety issue.

[@jerrysmith1929]

As good an explanation as I've seen of how to use a RIP track. You didn't mention how it can have a practical use during operations. Misbehaving cars can be placed on the RIP track for attention after the conclusion of the operating session.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

That is a good point, and you are right, I for got to mention it. Thanks. 👍

[@MMRails]

Is there a TWD card that says “Won a beauty contest, collect $10”? Great video, very informative. -Mark

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

No, but maybe one that says proceed to Shortline RR.

[@dannyholt105]

Or "Go to jail, do not pass Go", or Dunkin Donuts either! LOL! Cheers, Dan

[@geomodelrailroader]

the RIP track is where bad order cars go when something is wrong with them. even in the model world you need a track set aside for cars that have problems.

[@TheLaughingLion]

I learned of your channel via another train channel that i can't remember, so I subscribed #9202 and liked #249, I have enjoyed watching your trains on here. You really are the most serious train enthusiast that i have found on youtube, Well done! if you like to, come visit me and sub too, thanks Ron!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks for subscribing and for your comment. I will check outvyour channel.

[@rdg2102]

Brake shoes and air hoses are replaced in the yard, not in the RIP track. Also plain journals are oiled out in the yard. A hot bearing would be set out ASAP, it would not be taken to the RIP track. A wheel truck would go out and repair it on line. The whole FWWR engine cutting out the b/o car never happens in real life. The cars in a rip track are bad ordered in the yard or put on trains that terminate at the yard. When a train arrives at the yard, the train is inspected for external defects. Any external defects are noted and if the car is bad they will mark it to the rip track, when the track is switched it goes to the rip. Similarly, when an outbound train is made up, the air brakes are tested for departure. If a car fails the brake test it is marked as bad order and switched out by the outbound train or by a yard engine and taken to the rip track. Other part of the blue flag rule is that the switch is locked so nobody can get into the RIP facility. Depending on your switch controls you can mark the switch as blue flagged so it won't be operated..

[@BadBadDrivers]

Some people sure know how to suck the wind out of a hobby, were you born that way or does it come naturally to you? It is a hobby my god... get over yourself. It is a hobby...

[@rdg2102]

If knowing what the prototype does "sucks the wind out of the hobby" for you, why bother watching videos, just make it up. If he is going to describe what they do, then it might be handy to actually know what they do and don't do. It might be handy to know that most RIP tracks are actually double ended tracks, they put BO cars in one end, fix them in the middle then pull the OK'd cars out the other end. It might be handy to know that it would be a great place to have one of those little car movers to shove the cars through the RIP It might be cool to realize that you actually have two chances to switch out bad orders, not just one, the inbound inspection gets the external defects and the outbound inspections catches air brake defects. Double the chances to add switching. You can call me names or we can talk about how the things that go on with the RIP and the Mechanical Dept can add details and "play value".