yard tips...
A couple of tips on building yards gained through experience, some of it mine, some of gleaned from the forum. I like using the CS yard template but do agree it is a little sharp for larger stock. Here are some tips from me on yard building that I would liked to have had when I started. (for TRS 2004)
General yard building tips:
1. Track has direction. Lay the track from the center (or stub end) of your yard toward the end(s).
2. Use single track. If you like use the multiple track sections (i.e. the 2 to 5 parallel tracks) to establish spacing, but replace them with individual tracks as some features do not work on them.
3. The "fixed track" sections are quick way to keep a straight alignment over longer distances; i.e. 250m and further.
4. Keep the section of track preceding a switch straight (use the straightener tool), as this greatly improves the appearance of the switch.
5. Take the time to build the ladder carefully, it will be well spent.
6. Observe prototypical practices in yard layout, what they have probably works.
6a. Remember a "yard lead", as this allows the yard to be switched without fowling the main.
6b. Position engine service tracks to be accessible even when the yard is in use.
7. Templates and guides are suggestions and tools, if it doesn't look right fix it.
8. Save your work.
9. Keep it small, keep it simple. This is mostly to keep the AI drivers out of trouble and to keep lower performance machines running well. It can also make you have to plan a little more (small yard) or think a little less (simple yard).
10. LABEL EVERY THING!!! I mean it. Make sure your junctions/switches are named logically as well as your track marks. It is my preference to number the tracks outward from the main in ascending order, as well as to identify the geographic orientation (north, east, south, west).
Tips specific to the "CS yard template"
1. Use more than one. One at each end and one in the middle to maintain spacing is my preference.
2. Having oriented it on the lead track, lay the ladder track next followed by the straight sections of the yard tracks.
3. Make sure you lay the tracks in the same direction.
4. It's two sided, watch what you are doing.
5. Keep the same camera orientation, I like vertical.
6. Get the track laid first then monkey around with the switch stands.
