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How to Build a Realistic Freight Yard: Flow, Trackwork, and Car Management

How to Build a Realistic Freight Yard: Flow, Trackwork, and Car Management

How to Build a Realistic Freight Yard: Flow, Trackwork, and Car Management

Published 2025-09-25 • 8–10 minute read

In this guide:
  1. Yard roles that matter
  2. Designing the ladder
  3. Essential tracks
  4. Operating the yard
  5. Parts & tools
  6. FAQ

A good yard is more than a parking lot—it’s a workflow. Cars arrive, get classified, and depart on time. Even in a small space, you can model that flow with a short ladder, two to four classification tracks, and a run‑around lead that doesn’t foul the main.

Designing the ladder

Use consistent turnouts so the ladder stays straight. #6 turnouts on the main keep reliability high; #5 or #4 inside the yard save length. Keep at least one car length of lead beyond the last switch so the yard job can work without blocking the main.

Straight, consistent ladder geometry makes switching faster and more reliable

Essential tracks

  • Arrival/Departure (A/D): One or two tracks parallel to the main.
  • Classification: 2–4 parallel tracks for building locals, blocks, or unit trains.
  • Run‑around lead: Long enough to handle your longest cut without fouling the main.
  • Extras: A caboose/crew track for older eras and a RIP track for quick repairs.

Operating the yard

Adopt a simple switch list: set‑outs first, pulls second. Keep the A/D clear for road trains and use the lead for all moves. Time trains through town during sessions to create natural pressure—yardmasters thrive on schedule.

A siding alongside the main simulates A/D tracks on compact layouts

Shop HO Freight Cars Browse N Freight Cars

Parts & tools

FAQ

How long should yard tracks be?
Plan for your longest planned train length plus a locomotive and caboose (or EOT). In tight spaces, build for locals and block through freights.
Can I fit a yard on a shelf?
Absolutely—use a short ladder, two classification tracks, and a cassette staging to simulate the rest of the world.
What about DCC wiring?
Feed every yard track individually and gap where necessary for shorts. A separate power district keeps the main running if a switch goes awry.
25th Sep 2025 Midwest Model Railroad

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