What distinguishes mainline tracks from yard tracks?

Mainline tracks serve a crucial role in railroad operations as they are designed for the movement of through trains, which travel long distances without stopping to switch cars. This facilitates the primary function of railroads, allowing for efficient and rapid transportation of goods and passengers between major destinations.

On the other hand, yard tracks fulfill a different purpose; they are specifically designed for sorting and storing railroad cars. In a rail yard, these tracks enable the assembly and disassembly of trains, providing space for the organization of freight cars and facilitating maintenance as well as loading and unloading operations. The distinction in purpose highlights the different functions these two types of tracks serve in the broader rail network.

This understanding clarifies the roles of the different types of tracks, rationalizing the correct choice regarding their specific uses in rail transportation.