Also somethings to consider:
1. Length of cars
2. Location (if important)
3. How large is that yard compared to the rest of your layout?
There are a ton of questions/factors to consider. I'd also suggest reading Jeff Wilson's book about model trains. That's agreat intro book. There are a ton of issues to consider well-before starting to worry about a yard. While only my 2nd layout, pls avoid falling into my trap of focusing on operating before researching.
Is it even possible to build a classification yard in HO in 2x4 feet? Maybe a small area with some industrial sidings.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Another good resource for yard planning & construction is the Kalmbach book; The Model Railroader's Guide to Freight Yards by Andy Sperandeo, and IMO a good read as well.
Regards, Peter
If you don't have one already, get yourself a copy of Track Planning for Realistic Operation by John Armstrong. I got a copy myself based on a suggestion when I was trying to design a yard for my layout. I found it quite useful. It took a couple of designs but I have a design that I think will work.
Welcome to the forum. That is not a very big space if we are talking HO.
Ken Patterson publishes 2 varieties of What's Neat videos on you tube. On the January monthly edition he looks at the space saving of Micro Engineering yard #5 turnouts. The company webpage looks like it hasn't been updated in years and does not mention the product.
#4 turnouts might work with transition era equipment, but not modern longer cars. I believe Peco turnouts are shorter than Atlas or Walthers, of course you can alway shorten the turnouts.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
What scale? Is the 2x4 the layout size or space for yard?
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
looking on specifics on how to build a classification yard. I need help on what kind of turn outs to use. My area is roughly 2'x4', DCC equipped track.