I'd see what I could figure out with what track I have. I'd put it together, and see what I could make work, on a bench top, the floor, where ever. First see what you can do, as that will give you an idea of what you want to do, and what extra pieces you need.
You don't need any track planning programs, just lay it all out, and see what happens.
Mike.
My You Tube
I posted this on another forum, but got little (no) response. Anyway, one of my other hobbies is Model Rocketry, and sometimes people design a rocket out of spare parts:
http://rocketn00b.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-estes-scion-spare-parts-elimi...
SPEV stands for Spare Parts Elimination Vehicle. I've built a few rockets out of odds and ends--leftover balsa, tubes, nosecones-- and it can be fun coming up with something out of what's at hand:
http://www.rocketryforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=331173&d=1509417688
So the other day I was looking at some track pieces I have laying around, and I started to wonder if I could make a SPEV switching layout. Here's what I've got, all Code 83:
2 Atlas RH #6 Super switches, 2 Atlas LH #6 Super switches, Atlas Wye, 2 Atlas LH #4 Customline switches, 2 LH #4 Shinohara turnouts (one has been shortened), one Atlas LH Snap Switch. I have a few leftover pieces of Code 83 Flex and Code 100 Flex. I'd post a pic, but, you know.
So what do you think? Could a small shelf switching layout be made from some or all of these odds and ends? Anyone want to give it a try?
Gary