Changing track to enhance operations

Several years ago I included a switchback arrangement on the Kings Port side of my layout to make it possible to serve more than one industry.   Back then, I thought this would be an efficient use of space and track.   As my interest in operations grew, I realized how inconvenient this configuration was (cars that were supposedly being loaded at a business had to be temporarily pulled from one end of the switchback to allow switching access for cars going to the other side...cars for the left end of the switchback had to be located in the front of the train or else they wouldn't fit on the right side of the switch back to be backed into the left, etc.)  and I've been meaning to change it for some time.    I finally got around to doing that!  I'll admit to some trepidation as I was cutting into mainline track that has been in place for over 20 years!

I needed to cut out a straight section of track from the Ulster Ave grade crossing because it connected to the switchback turnout immediately to the right of the street and didn't provide enough length to connect to the diamond crossing I planned to install.   I replaced that section of track with a longer piece of flex track that I was able to curve to meet the diamond crossing.

The remains of the locations of the previous track arrangement can be seen as I test fit the crossing and the new left handed turnout that will be cut into the 20+  year old mainline.  My Dremel motor tool made this job easy and precise.

The new track in place.   I accidentally derailed the first tanker to the right before taking the photo.

The new piece of flex track in place in the Ulster Ave. grade crossing.  It still needs some road surface.

The new arrangement with scenic treatments (new grade crossing, tie and rail weathering, and ballast). 

Now when the West Mill Turn works this location it can drop off a string of tankers at the GULF facility...

.....and on the return trip, pick up cars from Reynold's Beverage Distributors and Booms Ready Mix without needing to pull the tankers to access a switchback track.

Two businesses that formerly could only be reached by switchback.

Pulling the cars while passing by the GULF spur and then backing them into the rest of the train.

This operations takes three moves (the locos back into the spur for Reynolds and Booms,  they pull the cars onto the main, and finally back the cars to couple with the train).   The former switchback arrangement actually required TWELVE moves to pick up those cars if there were tankers on the GULF spur that needed to be moved first to access the spur serving Reynolds and Booms.  I enjoy switching cars but those car movements were tedious and not particularity realistic.

I was immediately happy with the change as I ran the first test run to see how the crossing would work out.   Future operations will definitely be more fun!   The head office, worried about the bottom line, will be pleased by how efficiently car movements can now be made in Kings Port.    Just another innovation to help keep the Penn Central financially healthy!