Stockyard Industrial Lead: How a One-Turnout Layout Can Influence Design

[@PrinceStreet]

I like your idea of integrating the one turnout layout into a grader scheme. Having a place like this little concrete plant is also a way of hosting a shorter operating session which would be terrific when there isn’t time to enjoy the whole layout. Or, focussing on switching out just that one customer would be a way to indulge in what happens in just this one siding-without having to be worried about all that other work that needs doing. So it’s flexible and adaptive depending on time and how we can spend it. Neat too, to think of how sometimes the local train doesn’t always work all the customers.

[@emillerz]

Thanks, very good ideas and thoughts for op sessions!

[@isaacfabris3179]

Excellent video as always! I also can't recommend Lance's work/mindset enough; it's been the single largest influence in my modeling mindset to date. My first 'successful' layout was this very thing -- a one turnout layout. On the diverging side of the switch was a bakery with 4 spots for boxcars, vegetable oil tanks, and covered hoppers. The end of the other side was a small transload/team track which saw mainly covered hoppers and boxcars. I've since expanded slightly and added another two switches, but the original layout is still the core of operations. Simple is often better indeed. Other great options for small industries on single spurs (aside from bakeries and cement plants) with lots of switching include: -Subleased warehouses -Breweries -Corn syrup terminal (see Lance Mindhiem's LA Junction layout) -Grain/feed mills -Chemical plants -Fertilizer plants -Transload facilities

[@emillerz]

Thank you! Totally agree with you about Lance.

[@johnjohnston9661]

Sometimes, less is more. You did a great job demonstrating how a single turnout can still provide for operational interest. It seems the key is to have an industry that provides multiple services (and requires a variety of cars for varied loads).

[@emillerz]

Sorry for the super late response, I have been taking a break from videos and plan to start up posting again soon. Thanks for your comment and glad it was helpful. I will be building a new layout that will be a small shelf layout but with plenty of operational interest.

[@steve87thpsap]

Pretty cool. The 4x8 layout that I wound up with has 3 total industries. I think the cement plant, which I have too, are really great to do. I also have a lumber yard, then I stretched with a bakery. So like you it does take some time to really switch everything. And like you said they all don’t get switched at the same time. Makes for interesting things. I also have a track mobile at the cement plant to drag cars in position. So it can actually be three engines working. Mainline for drop/ pickup, switcher for industries, then the tram boiler for movement. REALLY nice info.

[@emillerz]

Thanks! That sounds really cool what you have going on with your layout. It's amazing how much operations you can get from something simple like that.

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

Can't help but smile every time I see that DeLorean on your layout. Yes, I'm an '80s kid. Back when I was in the planning stages of my layout, I was thinking of setting it in the mid-1950s. Availability of equipment from that era in N scale is making me rethink that idea, but I thought a cool Easter egg would be to have the Back To The Future DeLorean somewhere on the layout. Someone actually offers a 3D-printed model of it in N scale, although it's the car from BTTF 3 and has flanged wheels.

[@emillerz]

Yeah, I grew up in the 1980s and have always loved the DeLorean - it's essentially the Burlington's Zephyr in a car with the stainless steel, what a great idea. I love your thought on having the DeLorean in a 1950s-era layout!

[@SouthDown]

The DeLorean parked alongside the road is a nice touch. I'm with you, though. If I was short on space a one-turnout layout would be appealing and as you have demonstrated, it can still keep you pretty occupied. Thank you for sharing!

[@emillerz]

Thanks for your thoughts again, very good to hear!

[@Mercatoyd]

I like the idea of an industry that handles multiple commodities to produce their end product.. creates a nice variety of car types to switch.

[@emillerz]

Yep, it is nice to have interesting customers like this. I think it's good to mix it up with industries like that and also ones that are a little mundane, representing all the basic types of customers out there.

[@NewHavenRails]

Great video! Always enjoy watching your layout videos. Keep them coming!

[@keeganseva3975]

nice video. thanks for sharing. still in the planing phase for my future layout and I was worried I was going overboard... 5 industries including a freight storage track. plus small, local yard for interchanging with NS. good to know that even if I reduce the number of industries, I can still have great potential for operations fun.

[@emillerz]

Sorry for the super late response, I have been taking a break from videos and plan to start up posting again soon. Glad this was helpful and I will be starting a new layout soon that sounds pretty similar to what you are planning. I'll be posting some videos on it within the next month or so.

[@jaybird111207]

Great video and definitely very informative. Always get something out of your videos. Grateful I found your channel. Happy modeling!! -Jason

[@emillerz]

That is good to hear, thanks! I try to present relevant topics that are interesting to most modelers.

[@MakeItWithCalvin]

One thing to keep in mind is each turnout is $_$ to install, then maintain, and it is yet another derailment location too for the railroad so the less the better! This is also not an industry seeing constant switching either so why take up valuable real estate with more switches too? I do like the idea of cutting cars out that are out of order, it makes things more of a challenge. Especially when you consider how long it takes to connect/disconnect the cars.

[@emillerz]

Very good points!

[@camman1202]

Hey man, love you videos. The content is great, and you break stuff down really easy. For sure my go-to channel !

[@emillerz]

Thanks, that is good feedback!

[@Tom.Gregory]

Kewl, nice to see u posting again…

[@kenfolstad1346]

Super enjoyable, just what I needed, thank you so much 😊

[@emillerz]

Great to hear it, thanks for watching!

[@barryclements8395]

Interesting idea for a layout. Are those a couple of my Dry Bulk trailers (baztrains of Shapeways) in your cement yard?

[@emillerz]

Yes they are! I still have them for the transload site on my new layout!

[@barryclements8395]

@@emillerz Thanks for letting me know. If you ever make a video of the new layout, I’d be pleased if you mentioned my trailers. Thanks.

[@cammacgregor9354]

Very nice layout and concept...

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

A lot of good things to think about. Less is more

[@emillerz]

Yep, those are the words I live by!

[@trapdriver7006]

Excellent video 👍😊😊🇬🇧

[@trekzilladmc]

I see that railfan and his DeLorean!

[@XBOXShawn12thman]

I like this idea but no run around kinda makes it really rough ..... Ummmm 😕

[@emillerz]

Yes, I totally agree. I was thinking about using an approach like this for my new/current layout, but decided to go with the runaround/siding as it really does add a lot of flexibility.

[@brucejordan972]

Yeah mate. Just brilliant! Very good. bj n scaler.

[@raymondleggs5508]

That man's DeLorean broke down :-D

[@emillerz]

Quite possibly!

[@raymondleggs5508]

Too late now I have 4 turnouts and not enough straights and only 2 locos

[@Justlovedolls2024]

If a double slip could be considered a turn out you could do a lot of switching

[@emillerz]

Ah yes, that is a very good point!

[@raymondleggs5508]

I see you trying to hide that cardboard box building :-D

[@emillerz]

Yup! Just temporary...