Oakridge Realignment

Central to the operations scheme on my Cascade Subdivision is the use of manned helpers. While this is not necessarily prototypical given the widespread use of DPU's, manned helpers will provide a engaging modeled operation for running freights up to Cascade Summit. (Change: Manned helpers are currently being used on the Cascade Sub. -Thanks to Bill Decker for Update!) Consequently, Oakridge will serve as the main base for helper operations. The track arrangement in the modeled Oakridge is based on the prototype, albeit greatly compressed. The most significant of these compressions is the reduction of the wye to a pair of tracks curving into the backdrop. This greatly enhances the prototypical feel of the yard, but limits tracks for helper and MOW power to one stub track and a shorter double ended track.

Above: Original track alignment in Oakridge. From left: East wye, helper pocket/local power (2), yard runthrough/around, lumber storage (2), passing siding, mainline. 

The stub ended helper pocket created an issue for operational efficiency. Helper power returning from a run up the hill would enter the yard and use the runaround track to traverse to the other end before reversing into the pocket. To eliminate the extra and inefficient movement, I decided to remove the east wye track and connect the stub ended locomotive track to the previous wye turnout creating 2 double-ended locomotive tracks.

Additional issue with original alignment was storage space. Two six-axle locomotive barely fit into their designated tracks. 

Given the original track arrangement in the yard, this change was very easy to accomplish and just require repositioning of existing roadbed and track. This took two evenings to accomplish. 

Realigned cork roadbed for extended locomotive tracks. 

Now yard capacity for power has increased alongside of operational efficiency. Helper sets returning from trips up the hill now make one move into the "helper pocket." With time, I hope this change proves to be beneficial for operations and Oakridge.

A three unit helper set sits waiting for its next run up the hill on the new rearrangement in Oakridge as the local switcher sits waits for its next assignment. 

Now that this change is out of the way terrain and base scenery can proceed into Oakridge in the coming weeks.