Scratching my head over this...

[CharlesH.]

Here's this little trackplanning issue I don't understand:
(pardon my ignorance, but...)

What is a switchback?

Could anyone post a trackplan with one?

I'm planning my future layout and I've been curious about this feature.

 

[screwysquirrel]

Switchback

Here's this little trackplanning issue I don't understand:
(pardon my ignorance, but...)

What is a switchback?

Could anyone post a trackplan with one?

I'm planning my future layout and I've been curious about this feature.

A swutchback is a set of Spurs requiring the train to go first one way, then the other to reach all the points of a spur. Used a lot in Logging to gain altitude faster (backing a train up a, say 3% gradient spur, then forward further up another 3% radius spur gets you up faster than trying to do it just by straight climbing, in a lot less space. On flatter terrain, its used in industrial areas with limited rail space. They are Used in Model railroads to add interest.

Heres an Atlas layout with a switchback siding:

 

[CharlesH.]

Pretty informative, thanks!