Western Railroad Discussion > Interesting track layout

Found this on the giggles while spying on the old DOT Pueblo facility. Anyone know what it could be used for?

---

It appears to be our governments version of a reverse loop.

Endless runaway track?

It is called the "Screech Loop" and I believe is largely used for transit/subway type vehicles.

https://goo.gl/maps/bSDfQoHNXV1ETPsR9

150-foot radius, so not sharp enough to be
a test for streetcars, and too sharp for
passenger cars.

Interesting area to satellite railfan.   What is going on here?  

https://www.google.com/maps/place/DOT+Rd,+Colorado/@38.4440281,-104.2906973,76m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8713a957dfc7b40f:0xa6d7b06c0ec930f3!8m2!3d38.3613169!4d-104.3834331



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/20/22 12:21 by BN6339.

---

The site has staged derailments to help with first responder and hazmat training.  It is very possible that is what is going on in the picture.

That's the famous D.O.T. railroad test facility

I agree with Typhoon. There is a smaler one SW of Salina, KS. upkpfan

           You cannot 'reverse' on that loop, such as turning power. You can do testing for sharp curves OR pull in with equipment behind you,  and then get on the other end of it and pull out. DOubtful anyone would have equipment short enough to make it worth while. Try flange and rail wear tests instead. 

Skid Pad for testing sports model locomotives.
Go

I think the operator would get dizzy very quickly going around that track.

timz Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> 150-foot radius, so not sharp enough to be
> a test for streetcars, and too sharp for
> passenger cars.
But within the realm of modern heavy rail transit and light rail systems. 

There is a freight rail example of this track arrangement at a grain loadout in Polo IL on BNSF's Aurora Sub:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.997557,-89.5929449,1595m/data=!3m1!1e3

As I understand, trains loaded here are destined for points east or south. I don't get out that way much anymore but I have seen two trains on this loop. One was a 2x1 DPU so I assume the crew swapped ends to depart and the other train had 2 locomotives but fit entirely on the loop so it would appear they moved the locomotives from one end to the train to the other.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/21/22 06:29 by kevink.

DLM Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It appears to be our governments version of a
> reverse loop.

^^Underrated post^^

Another grain loop in Indiana ... with the added bonus of connecting with two separate railroads (NS and CSX) that don't connect with each other directly.
https://goo.gl/maps/3S8T5X36xDf2RZyDA

ATSF3768 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> DLM Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > It appears to be our governments version of a
> > reverse loop.
>
> ^^Underrated post^^

Its the "Build Back Better" loop.