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Current Garfield Central Operations
The mainline of the Garfield Central is double-tracked and of the loop-to-loop variety. A complete
round-trip around the layout can take as long as 30 minutes, depending on mainline traffic and
motive power. The eastern loop is at Clarendon Gap, and the western loop is at Williamsport. Each
reversing loop contains 7 staging tracks. Passing sidings are
located in several locations along the mainline in both directions. The GC's major yard is at Georgetown
(13 tracks, roundhouse, engine terminal), with a smaller yard located at Williamsport (3 tracks,
engine terminal).
See a past GC operating session plan
The ruling grade of the GC lies between Williamsport and Summit, between which the mainline climbs
from its lowest elevation to its highest, over a distance of about 40 feet. This stiff grade
necessitates heavy motive power on the head end, and helpers on this stretch are a rare but
occasional sight.
The minimum mainline curve radius is 42", with all mainline turnouts being #8 or larger. Rail sizes
are code 83 on the main, code 70 on yard trackage and sidings, and code 100 on east and west loops.
Train control is done by DCC (Digital Command Control), and all switches are powered.
There are approximately 1,500 feet of hand-laid trackage on the GC. All turnouts are built in place
to permit the flowing track work which you see. Current track-laying practice begins with spline
sub-roadbed supporting Homosote-brand board. Club-cut, white pine ballast board is then added to the
structure. Northern pine ties, ripped with a radial arm saw, top out the base. After ballasting
with a variety of materials ranging from beach sand to commercial ballast, the rail is hand-spiked,
and turnouts are built to fit.
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