Livestock Operations on Model Railroads

with an emphasis on the ATSF

January 1, 2003

Model Operations Possibilities

For the modeler, a cycle can be observed in the handling of a car.

Empty car requested from the yard.
Bedding is supplied either in the yard or at the loading pen.
Stock are loaded in the car with a locomotive attendant to the process.
Cars are moved immediately to the interchange or forwarding yard.
They are attached to the headend of a manifest train.
Cars are serviced in route at 28/36 hour intervals.
They are delivered to the destination yard and immediately...
Delivered to their destination and unloaded with a locomotive attendant to the process.
Empty car could be left at the siding or continue with the loco to the servicing yard.
Empty is taken to the clean-out track to be cleared of bedding and steam cleaned.
The car is now ready to be reassigned.

Other considerations for the modeler would include providing gondolas of sand to the various loading facilities, water and hay for a remote stockyard, various feeds for major feeding stations, the removal of wool from sheep shearing facilities, the removal of dirty bedding from feeding stations and clean out tracks, allowing time for loading and unloading, or the intricacies of the packing house. One could even put a cow on the track to see if the local will stop before hitting it.

Stock Car Models

Compiled by J. Stephen Sandifer

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