Loop

Railway terminology varies from country to country, between model and reality, and even between different professions within the industry. This forum seeks to clarify such diversity.

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dave55uk
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LOOP

Post by dave55uk »

GB:

On single lines, arrangement of track that allows two trains to pass (travelling in same or opposite directions). Loop may be signalled in one or both directions.

On multiple track lines, arrangement of track to allow one train to pass another travelling in same direction - hence 'Goods loop' etc. Usually signalled in one direction only.

See sketch at : http://homepage.ntlworld.com/potter55/Loop.gif
Statkowski
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Loop

Post by Statkowski »

In North America, also known as a Balloon Track.

Enables a train entering to loop around and come back out in the opposite direction. Major users of such are bulk coal loaders, permitting entire train to creep through at 3 m.p.h. while being loaded and then head back from whence they came without having to change engine locations on the train.

New York City's Grand Central Terminal has two sets of loop tracks; Upper Level and Lower Level. Richmond, Virginia's Union Station was located on a multi-track loop - didn't matter what line the train came in on, it could proceed out without having to relocate the engine(s) to the other end of the train.
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