Operations

Yard

A complex of tracks where trains are assembled, broken apart, and cars are sorted.

Full Definition

A railroad yard is a system of tracks where trains are classified (sorted), assembled, and stored. Yards contain multiple tracks (classification tracks) where cars are sorted by destination. Model railroad yards provide significant operating interest and often serve as the focal point of a layout.

Examples

•A yard might have a lead track, arrival/departure tracks, and a dozen classification tracks

Tips & Best Practices

Plan yard throat trackwork carefully - it limits yard efficiency

Related Terms

Staging

Hidden tracks representing the world beyond the visible layout where trains originate and terminate.

Switching

The process of moving individual cars between tracks to serve industries or build trains.

Have Questions?

Ask our AI assistant for more details about Yard or related topics.

More Operations Terms

Quick Links

Learning Center Shop Products Comparisons