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Argentine & Zion

Staging Yards

The lower level staging area was 60ft long, double ended, divided in half, and could hold 12 40-car trains. Before each operating session, many of the trains to be used were staged there. Others were made up on the fly at the Proviso Yard or originated from various areas as locals. All trains that leave the layout will end up in either of these yards which can be entered either from the north via Sacred Mountain into the Argentine Yard, or from the south under South Middleton into the Zion Yard. The tracks travel down a 1% grade for 100ft from the main lines at each end until they reach this level. Because of this length, several passing sidings were installed along the way to accommodate two-way traffic in and out of the staging yards. This created more operational possibilities.

The Zion Yard at the south end of the staging area is located 12 inches below Union Station. This photo was taken before the fascia was installed, which does allow access to the staging area.

Switching in and out of the staging yards are now routed by stationary decoders tied into the DCC system. They can be thrown from push buttons on either panel, with a throttle, or by the computer. The push buttons are disabled during Open Houses.

This the same area of the Zion Yard as above beneath Union Station, now with the fascia installed and skirts for a finished look. The passenger control panel (left) is built in to the fascia and hinged on the bottom for ease of maintenance. It also provides additional access in that area.

This is the Argentine Yard, at the north end of the staging area, located under the north end of the Proviso yard. Trains leaving this end wind their way up a 1% grade through the mountain region and eventually reach the main lines under Sacred Mountain. Note the maze of wiring for the Tortoise machines above.

Click on the maps below to take you to other areas.

Updated: January 22, 2013