billvon 2,354 #1 August 26, 2016 They are putting in a new rail line in Santa Rosa that will run from Larkspur Landing near San Franscisco up to Sonoma. While there I saw them running test trains on the track (not quite open yet.) I walked down to check out the station. I saw a switch leading to a siding and figured that was so they could pull a train up to the station while another train (freight maybe?) could pass it. But when I checked it out, it didn't make sense (see attached.) So what's the story here? I had a few ideas but wanted to run it by people here first. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NovaTTT 1 #2 August 26, 2016 Second rail might be for oversized or vanity train carriages to fit into the passenger loading area?"Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpsalot-2 2 #3 August 27, 2016 They must separate again at another point in the distance. Maybe space is limited in this area.Life is short ... jump often. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RoboFlail 0 #4 August 27, 2016 The only thing I can think of is that there must be different types of train cars with different widths above ground, even though the wheel base is the same. So depending upon whether the car is a narrow one or a wide one, they use the appropriate track. A narrow car uses the one closest to the platform to minimize the gap climbing aboard. And a wide car uses the far track so that it doesn't smash into the platform. Woe be to the conductor who who puts the wide car on the narrow rail... That's my guess, but I know nothing about trains. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,329 #5 August 27, 2016 Its called a Gauntlet Track. Some are for when a different gauge (width of wheels/track) is needed along the same route. Others are used for when different clearances from the side of the train are required (gonna guess that's the case here)."There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,354 #6 August 29, 2016 >Others are used for when different clearances from the side of the train are required . . . Yep. Asked the workers the next day and that's what they said (to allow clearance for freight trains.) Oddly the tracks on the other side do NOT do this; they weren't sure why but I assume it's because freight will only run on one track. Interesting link, thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elisha 1 #7 August 29, 2016 billvon>Others are used for when different clearances from the side of the train are required . . . Yep. Asked the workers the next day and that's what they said (to allow clearance for freight trains.) Oddly the tracks on the other side do NOT do this; they weren't sure why but I assume it's because freight will only run on one track. Interesting link, thanks. billvon, I thought you were referring to the following (from their brochure), but I guess not. Speed ▪ Top speed of 79 mph; average speed (including stops) of 40 mph ▪ Strategically placed double track allow trains to operate and pass in both directions at standard speeds Btw, I'm a 5 min walk around the corner from the Rohnert Park station. What were you doing up in Santa Rosa? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elisha 1 #8 August 29, 2016 Oh, and would that be the Santa Rosa North station by Guerneville Rd? That's by the Coddingtown Mall with the Whole Foods with the awesome beer bar. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,354 #9 August 30, 2016 > Strategically placed double track allow trains to operate and pass in > both directions at standard speeds That's what I thought too at first - but on that particular "siding," trying to pass would lead to a sticky end of both trains. > What were you doing up in Santa Rosa? Going to Russian River brewery. I do a pilgrimage periodically. >Oh, and would that be the Santa Rosa North station by Guerneville Rd? No, this is the one "downtown" in Railroad Square by the coffee place. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TEB6363 0 #10 August 30, 2016 Bill, I think Elisha meant to pass the platform at standard speed.. I think we have the same here in Fresno.. The close track is for Amtrack to stop along side of the platform.. When tracks are used for other rail traffic, such as freight, they stay on the farther set and can proceed past at their usual 35-45 mph through town.. However, not meant as a siding to allow cars clearance/passing.. Those are in more open areas.. Not a railroad guy, I just have a couple projects where we need access along the railways.. And, since I'm not an Engineer - I Don't Drive Trains... Once the plane takes off, you're gonna have to land - Might as well jump out!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elisha 1 #11 August 31, 2016 Actually, no...I meant what I wrote about two trains passing each other, but obviously from billvon's picture, this is impossible with those specific type of tracks. I think most of the trains passing each other tracks (which I posted from the SMART website) are in longer stretches between stations. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 34 #12 August 31, 2016 If this were in England, I'd have flippantly said the second rail led to a secret track to Hogwarts for student sorcerers... "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites