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My layout is basically a double track oval with two sets of single-ended storage sidings leading off from it. It looks something like an omega loop with the bottom joined up. Thus I can make a train leave storage sidings A, run round the oval one or more times, then into storage sidings B. Then do the same thing in reverse.
With passenger trains this presents no problems. I run both express and local passenger trains with a brake composite at both ends. (Am I right in thinking that this is reasonably realistic?) Near the end of the B sidings the train stops, the engine decouples and moves forward an inch or two. Then a new engine, facing the correct way, backs onto the train, takes it out round the oval and into sidings A. The previous engine can now back onto it and the whole thing start again. Of course with DCC this is simplicity itself.
With goods trains things are not so easy. I don't think that a brake van at both ends of the train looks realistic. (Am I wrong about this?) This means that when a goods train reaches the B sidings, it must somehow lose its brake van and get the same or a different one on the other end. This involves a lot of fiddling around. I know that storage sidings are also called fiddle yards but I don't want to do a lot of fiddling. Do I have to run goods trains with a brake van both ends or is there a simpler way of doing things that I have missed? If it helps, there is an off-scenic connection between the two sets of sidings.
Thank you in anticipation.
With passenger trains this presents no problems. I run both express and local passenger trains with a brake composite at both ends. (Am I right in thinking that this is reasonably realistic?) Near the end of the B sidings the train stops, the engine decouples and moves forward an inch or two. Then a new engine, facing the correct way, backs onto the train, takes it out round the oval and into sidings A. The previous engine can now back onto it and the whole thing start again. Of course with DCC this is simplicity itself.
With goods trains things are not so easy. I don't think that a brake van at both ends of the train looks realistic. (Am I wrong about this?) This means that when a goods train reaches the B sidings, it must somehow lose its brake van and get the same or a different one on the other end. This involves a lot of fiddling around. I know that storage sidings are also called fiddle yards but I don't want to do a lot of fiddling. Do I have to run goods trains with a brake van both ends or is there a simpler way of doing things that I have missed? If it helps, there is an off-scenic connection between the two sets of sidings.
Thank you in anticipation.