South Staging

We are in the process of upgrading our south staging for improved operations. Currently, Columbia Gardens has 3 tracks and a "main" going to a reverse loop. None of the tracks will hold a full length train which we define as 35 cars plus 3 engines and a caboose (240"). This limits the number and length of trains that can be sent south from Castlegar. Trains that were sent to staging reappear in Castlegar during the same operating session. By increasing the number and length of staging tracks, we eliminate this. By design, the upgraded staging will also allow for active staging (manually changing cars in a train) if the operation department wishes. The design allows room for "Extras" that could run from Columbia Gardens (or Spokane) through to Kamloops or Sicamous (north staging).

Additional to Columbia Gardens, we are upgrading Van Horne staging which is only a reverse loop, again trains reappearing to the same session. A final addition will be adding Nelson Staging. This will come off the Castlegar wye, giving us the ability to run CP trains from Van Horne through Castlegar to Nelson

Phase 1 - Columbia Gardens Coach Yard

The Columbia Gardens Coach Yard had been mostly complete but never brought to fruition. After awhile, some track started lifting, probably due to extreme humidity changes when there was a water leak in the area. The track has now been removed and the coach yard rebuild is now included in phase 2.

Phase 2 - Columbia Gardens

The new Columbia Gardens Staging will include a 4 track coach yard, 6 full length freight staging tracks with a run through "Main" track. This replaces our existing Columbia Gardens which has 3 tracks that can't hold full length trains. The extra tracks allow for more trains to be held in staging so that the same train doesn't "appear" on the visible part of the layout the same "day". Passenger trains will be routed to the coach yard and backed in, there by not taking up any of the freight staging tracks.
All of the Columbia Gardens trackage will be within a reverse loop.

• Track Plan
• Freight Yard Schematic
• Coach Yard Schematic
• Progress Photos
• Columbia Gardens Freight Staging Progress 1
• Columbia Gardens Freight Staging Progress 2
• Columbia Gardens Freight Staging Progress 3

Phase 2 Electrical

A new electrical vault is being built under the Edgewood penisula to acommodate the new staging. It will house the electrical for Columbia Gardens and Van Horne.

• Proposed Control Panel

• RR-CirKits
• TC-64, 64 line I/O controllers to provide LocoNet connections for the following:
• Current sensing transformers connected to RR-CirKits Block Occupancy Detectors (BOD-8) for block occupancy detection.
• FC-51 type IR detectors providing clearance point detection for staging tracks.
• ELEGOO 8 Channel DC 5V Relay Modules for track isolation
• More info on detection here.
• N3IX Engineering
• QuadLN_S LocoNet Servo Decoders with servos to drive turnout position and provide LocoNet connection to turnouts.
• Servos to be used as they have a smaller profile as opposed to Tortoises in tight spaces.

Phase 3 - CPR West Staging - Midway

Phase 3 has not yet started and the plan will be reviewed after Phase 2 is complete. The new Staging will replace the existing Van Horne Staging and have ability of holding several full length trains.

• Proposed Track Plan

Phase 3 Electrical

Phase 3 will utilize the same component types as phase 2

Phase 4 - Glenmerry (or Waneta Junction) and CPR East Staging - Nelson

Phases 4 and 5 are still in the planning stage.

• Replace the existing Columbia Gardens staging yard with a single 35 car (240in) siding to be called Glenmerry or Waneta Junction. The siding name is still to be decided.
• Install a new four track yard consisting of (3) three yard tracks and (1) one main track. The new yard to be installed approximately 6 inches below the current elevation of the existing Columbia Gardens staging track.

Phase 4 Electrical

Phase 3 will utilize the same component types as phase 2 and 3

Still be determined, but should utilize the Lavington electrical vault as it's expected that Armstrong will be removed with the north expansion. The alternative is the Castlegar vault.

Phase 5 - Castlegar Wye Extension

Realign tail of the Castlegar Wye to allow for it to be extended around the end of the Tadanac peninsula under the south end of Castlegar to join up with the CPR East staging yard (Nelson).