new shelf layout

[Anonymous]

well here it goes.
I will be attempting my third n scale layout and I am ready to do it right.
I am accepting help and criticism. Here are my parameters.
I want a shelf style layout, but do not want a point to point layout. I halve 15 linear feet in which to do it.
I would like to run to main lines { without using loops} and would like at some facilities in which to drop off freight. A rail yard for staging would be great but I realize space will be limited. I have used RTS software but my attempts have resulted in what will end up looking like a race track with two 11'' radius turns at either end.
Initial questions:
what width should I use?
any where I can go to see some track plans for shelf layouts.

[SMassey]

Well if you dont want point to point you will have to put a return loop somewhere. Unless you can make a circular layout but it dont sound like that is an option. How about making the classic dogbone with the staging yard in one of the smaller sections and an industry of some sort in the other? That is the only thing I can come up with right now for you. If something new pops into my mind I will let ya know.

[Anonymous]

atlasrr.com might have some shelf layouts, but it would be using their track etc.

could you have one 'leg' down each side of a wall kind of like an L? how wide will the shelf be? That will be helpful in determing where the turn/loops at the end go and what size equipment you can run.

It is kind of hard for me to visulize so i apologize

[Jetrock]

I'm kind of confused here--you don't want a point-to-point layout but you don't want loops?

[BRJN]

I am having a hard time visualizing your desires. Are you saying you want to use helixes to go up/down between two levels? I don't see how else to have no point-to-point and no loops.

[waltersrails]

sounds good to me

[CMSTPP]

Why don't you have a yard at both ends with run around tracks at each yard. All your facilities could be in the middle of the layout with a couple buildings in the yards. All the cars that are empty should go to the yards and then switch the cars into the facilities when needed. Your run around tracks would be for your locomotives so that you can place them in the back or the front of the trains which ever way you need them.
You could also use one yard as your empty car yard and the other as the loaded car yard.
You should probably have the width of the layout about 2 to 3 feet so that if you have a lot of facilities you can spread them out along your layout. Your yards should be about 10 to 12 tracks wide so that they can accommodate the rail cars that would come in and out of your facilities.
James