Stockyard Industrial Lead: Modeling an Industrial Off-Spot Location

[@Mercatoyd]

Eric..just got introduced to your layout today. This is the first video of your's that I've watched. After leaving this comment I plan to check out your other videos that you've shared. I found this most informative, excellent narration and the way you've detailed the placement right on the facia track plan is outstanding. It answers all questions clearly. Thank you for sharing. Tom

[@emillerz]

Thanks for stopping by my channel and checking out the videos! I am happy to hear they have been helpful for and answer your questions. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@vdubdork67]

Love it when you run that C-415! That's my favorite of all the engines in your roster. Great demonstration, and very informative.👍

[@emillerz]

Thanks! I really like that switcher as well! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@craiglockridge7667]

I like the video all so the houses i use to live were the trains were right outside my window good to see that keep up the good work nice.

[@ryangrider9607]

Another term I’ve seen used fairly commonly on prototypes (at least most of the ones I’ve worked for) for off spot cars is “constructive placement” or CP for short. Just as you described, any excess of cars inbound to an industry that cannot be spotted for loading/unloading at a customer will be “CP’ed” on a nearby track or even (and preferably) the customers lead. Of course the next time the industry is switched these “CP” or off spot cars would get first priority over newer inbound cars, unless it should be a matter of the newer car having a commodity the customer needs more than the off spot car. Great tutorial, well explained, and entertaining!

[@emillerz]

Interesting, thanks for the explanation of that term.

[@rattacular12]

That C415 is legit! Love how you explained it. Spot on ( no pun intended )

[@emillerz]

Thanks, it is a nice all-around switcher!

[@lightracer8632]

Thanks Eric. I utilize a single offspot as well and it’s adds a great deal on a small layout.

[@emillerz]

Glad to hear that you use an offspot as well! I agree that it adds a lot of interest for a small layout. It's amazing how much operations can go into a small space.

[@RustBeltRailroad]

great video - I am currently planning a small expansion on my layout and keeping an off spot in mind in might actually utilize it in planning my lumber yard, wound add extra moves/work if lumber yard only held 1 car and off spot was off somewhere funny... hmmm....

[@emillerz]

Thanks, sounds like you would have a really good use for it for your layout expansion.

[@alantrains]

Another great video Eric. Thanks for sharing.

[@emillerz]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@mstevetodd]

Thanks for the great idea, I'll definitely plan for it on my industrial expansion. How do you define the "off spot" in JMRI? Do you have to do something special when defining the location or tracks?

[@sierra3842]

What brand is your C415 I have a SP C415. Also what sound did you use and if possible could you do a video review of yours showing how to install cuplers and all the workings of that switcher :-)

[@emillerz]

It's a kitbashed Kato/IHC model. The shell is from an IHC C415 with Atlas C420 parts and I used a Stewart/Kato U25B chassis and drive/trucks. It has a SoundTraxx Tsunami2 for sound and an iPhone 5 speaker. Yes, I can definitely make a video on how to install couplers on a repowering/kitbash like this. Thanks for the idea! Here is more on how I built it: model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/36663

[@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569]

Eric, another great video showing how to add interesting operational possibilities to a layout. Thanks for sharing this with everyone. I really like those "signs" you've added to your fascia, showing tracks and industries. Did you make them, or did you have them made for you? ...Roy

[@emillerz]

Thanks, Roy! The track diagrams on the fascia are pretty simple. I create them in PowerPoint using the drawing stuff (lines, squares, text boxes, etc), then I print them out and laminate them. I have to redo one location because of some changes, so I will plan to make a video on how I create them since I get a lot of questions about them.

[@AndrewMurphy8383]

@@emillerz I never thought you could use off cuts on model lay but you gave some ideas eric for when i put my kitchen table lay out to gather. And yes you heard right i am building a layout on a kitchen table.

[@Bardwell_Junction]

Just curious if a real RR would have left it on the industries own siding IF there was room (and there appeared to be )between the fouling point and the door IF it was not blocking a driveway or such rather than lugging it 1/4 mile back in direction you just came. Can you put a " feature " in front of the door such as access to truck storage or something that effectively rules that out for car storage to give your ops mode a more obvious reason? Or maybe stick that car on the cement siding, couple up the rest of the cars on the main, and back them up to the offspot car so it is last car in consist, then drop it off on the way to Leader and not have to go back with it. Should cost the RR less time and fuel! Really like what you have done here. I too like your track schematic, have operated on layouts without, and it sure helps. Rick

[@emillerz]

Very good point, the crew has a lot of possibilities when choosing an offspot location. I will usually try to do more movements to make the next job easier. This car will need to go "behind" the car that was just placed at the industry, so spotting it here will make the next switch go a little easier.