Help please with L-shaped N gauge layout

[AbuelOgauge]

Thanks in advance to all who might help me with some suggestions on best using the fixed space I have for this layout--benchwork substructure completed, will top with 1/2" plywood and 2 inches of foam.  for visual interest I could have slight changes in levels even using some of the 2" foam to go down but no mountains with tunnels as I'm not supposed to block the view out the windows to the patio and water view (see photos).

The layout will be DCC.  I really want to be able to run 2 trains at once, maybe in opposite directions, with the longest trips possible (including reverses where feasible); most likely scenario watching one train run while doing some switching operations or puzzles with another train. (Is the correct term double track main line)

I'll include photos of some switching puzzles (at least one or two of which) I'd love to incorporate somewhere. You'll see one switching layout is from a book i bought--i like the left hand side switching area part of the layout, the vertical area in the drawing.

 

I envision the yard at least in part for rolling stock storage.  Layout will be eclectic--probably freight diesels of different vintage, maybe some Metra passenger trains.  If I ever ended up with a steam locomotive I'd probably say it only runs excursions and is serviced "off layout".

I'd like to have a turntable if for no other reason than to have something else that can be moving and active when grandchildren are around.  I do realize that the place I drew it on this first drawing is Not good--very hard to reach in that part of the L-shaped layout.  SO I'd appreciate ideas on where best to locate it.

A fellow club member here in fort Myers has persuaded me to use Code 55 track (atlas or Peco or mixed) with peco switches most likely but Atlas if Peco doesn't make a crossing or turnout type that the layout requires.  In the interest of getting up and running he suggested flex track for long runs and fixed curve pieces for the big curves.

  An intriguing idea to me would to maybe have a water feature, dock, or something like that which would edge up to the very edge of the layout--like an infinity pool...maybe at the front right hand side of the long part of the L shaped benchwork.

Some club members have said that there should be a control panel. Thoughts? I didn't think all the switches would have to be remote but extent-of-reach issues mean that some certainly should be.

Again, thanks to any who might have suggestions of any kind.  People who have been around the block many times designing layouts can spot problems or poor design elements at a glance.

here is link to photos and drawings I refer to above

https://www.dropbox.com/l/MwJHhxzkoRYlvV9AaJQ3Ro

[RT Trains]

You'll get more response if you post your photos so they aren't behind the dropbox login. It's totally up to you, but I'd be bored silly after a couple of passes through those old-fashioned puzzles. Seems a shame (to me) to waste that space and switches on something so artificial.

Others may not agree and I'm sure they'll post.

RT

[AbuelOgauge]

Here's a try at getting the images into the post itself---

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[AbuelOgauge]

Hey, thanks for your comment; I used photobucket so I hope the images got into the thread.

Re this switching exercise--as the author set it up the solution was over 100 moves.  Being such a newbie that would keep ME going for a while.

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[rod.h]

I think you've got one to many reversing loops, there's a curve that looks like it's physically impossible and that shunting puzzle from MR 3/72 is meant to end at Spur E and it's a yard, so having it on the main is not quite right as all shunting moves there will block the main, presuming it's a single track main. I recommend separating it from the main, I see two ways of doing it the first is turn that coke bottle curve into either a branch or a passing loop. The second is make the upper section of the lower reversing loop into purely being the entry track to that yard.

I don't know how the Atlas or Peco N gauge track geometry compares to Kato unitrack as their track template might be of some assistance in drawing up a track plan.

A control panel is great if you've a lot of motorised turnouts and you have difficulty remembering which switch does what - something that still throws me on my simple layout, usually with the double slip.

Oh and one thing to remember for your switching puzzles is what's the length of your longest loco or car that you'd use there, as I believe that's what the (#) is a reminder for - something I keep on forgeting about whenever I put down track.

[DSchmitt]

I suggest you get a layout drawing program with track libraries for the types of track you will be using.

I know of two full featured free programs.  There are probably others.

I like XTRACAD   http://www.xtracad.com/

A lot of people like SCARM  http://www.scarm.info/index.php

As a start, it is OK to hand draw your ideas and historically that is how most larouts have bee designed initially, but these programs will let you check the fit and run "trains" on your computer to check out the operational possibilities of your plan which is worthwhile doing and can also be a lot of fun. 

[RT Trains]

AbuelOgauge

Re this switching exercise--as the author set it up the solution was over 100 moves.  Being such a newbie that would keep ME going for a while.

After solving it once, I would feel like I was doing the same crossword puzzle over and over again. Boring. Different strokes, I guess.

RT

[AbuelOgauge]

Thanks for your comments and suggestions.  I will work on those areas and find that Kato template at my LHS or on-line.

[AbuelOgauge]

Yes, thank you for your comments.  I have SCARM but was holding off entering track until I saw if experienced modelers observed some part of the plan that was just a bad idea and should be deleted (based on building prior layouts).