Revised Twin Canyons track plan

[TheGoodnight]

Hi--

A short while ago I posted my first draft track plan for my "Twin Canyons RR" layout in N-scale. Based on the suggestions I received as well as some online research, here's a revised version. Some notes follow the image. Comments welcome.

 Notes

• I realize my curve radii are so tight I'll never be able to operate passenger cars; but I've never been a rolling stock collector and I don't own any passenger cars at the moment, so I'm rolling the dice that I'll be able to live with that. If I'm wrong, I'll burn that bridge when I come to it.
• The incomprehensible cloud of tunnel ID's at top center reflects my incorrigible desire for tunnels that connect up exactly how the viewer is not expecting them to. In this case, the double-tracks on the bridges split up the moment they're out of sight. It's a fairly silly druther as druthers go, but, well, there it is.
• As I mentioned in my first thread, my previous layout to this one was a pretzel-shaped mainline without a single turnout. So, although I'm not new to layout-building, this is my first venture into attempting operations. Thus I'm on a learning curve in that aspect, and that's the area where I'd most like any suggestions people may have.

THE GOODNIGHT

[marknewton]

I had a quick look at your track plan, and the first impression that I got was that the track in the town on the right-hand side -Lewiston? - would not be very usable. I understand that realistic operation may not be a priority for you, but I think the arrangement as you have drawn it would only lead to frustration. Short switchbacks and leads are something to avoid, in my opinion. Cheers, Mark.

[TheGoodnight]

marknewton

I understand that realistic operation may not be a priority for you, but I think the arrangement as you have drawn it would only lead to frustration. Short switchbacks and leads are something to avoid, in my opinion.

 

Well, operations aren't something I've worried about before, but I do want to get them right this time. You're finding the tracks to the freight depot at lower right are too short to be useful?

This is where I'm on a learning curve, because I don't know exactly what needs to happen in this kind of area. I was picturing trains just backing in to drop off some cars (and presumably pick up some empties in exchange), but I'm not sure what else I need to accomodate.

I read the John Armstrong track planning book, and felt like I "got" topics like classification yards right away, but other aspects seem to lurk just out of my grasp. I'm determined to "get" the rest of it before I move from revising this plan to building it...