Hull Oakes Mill Inglenook is a small switching problem loosely based on the prototype Hull Oakes mill trackwork near Dawson Oregon USA which was served by the Willamette Pacific Railroad until 2007. It is unique in that the track layout mimics the famous "Inglenook Sidings" model railroad problem and creates it's own operational challenges due to limited trackage and specific spotting for cars. My version is a bit more forgiving than the typical Inglenooks but does closely follow the prototype and can get quite complicated with enough rolling stock to move around.

OPERATIONS

Typically operations center around dropping off empties and picking up loads. Refering to the track diagram, track A is the loading shed where loaded lumber is picked up. Track B is the switching lead and Track C is the wood chip loading track. An incoming train is made up of engine, three empty bulkhead flat cars for lumber and three empty wood chip hoppers. WPRR rules also required use of a caboose on all trains so you will have that to deal with also. On the trackage for outgoing you may have three loaded bulkhead flatcars on Track A and three hoppers on Track B or C. The task is to swap out the empties for the loads with the caboose in the rear of the train and proceed.

The "Derail" switch located on the main is used as a yard limit for switching operations in Trainz. We can say that railroad rules require the derail to be set whenever a train is within the mill boundaries for safety. For actual operations in Trainz, if you pass this switch which is defaulted to the derail position, your train WILL derail and the session is over.

I have included three sessions for this layout - easy, medium and hard. Everything is set up and ready to start switching, each having it's own challenges and instructions. The diagram above shows track capacity for each spur for full size rolling stock but know that there are some cases where you can fit just a little bit more in when you are switching the caboose - that was a hint.

RULES

1. Do not pass the "Derail" switch until complete outgoing consist is made up and incoming cars spotted

2. All trains shall have a caboose at the end of train before proceeding out of the mill site.

3. Speed limit is 10MPH or less, coupling speed is 4MPH or less.