It has been a large number of years since I've been able to really do anything with model trains. I have been working on designing a layout to fit in the space that I have. It's roughly 3x10 with one 2x3 and one 3x3 wing in a U shape. Been looking through hundreds of track plans and pieced together between them what I think will work for my layout and almost checks all the boxes. So looking for feedback.
The layout will be in N scale, I wanted a roundhouse (I have a scene planned for this) along with at least 2 main lines and have at least 1 track elevated. I would also like some kind of overpass or small tunnel, but can't quite figue out how to get that in. I'm also not overly excited about the yard in the lower right part inside the oval. The spurs on the left side will be going to industry and I have a scene planned for inside the circle of both reversing loops. Plan on modeling the transition error, so a mixture of steam and diesel locomotives. The blank space in the middle is where I am planning my town. There will be a wall on 3 sides of this layout as well, so can't go too much deeper without causing an issue gaining access to the back.
I like what you're trying to gain with your layout. There are a solid number of sidings for different operations. Going with N scale provides you the ability to squeeze in more cars than with HO.
The layout has two notable issues: space/reach and the reverse loops. You ought to strive for about 24-30" of reach (max), esp. with the track. I don't know if you can touch all of your track with that requirement. On my layout, some of my scenery is a bit further but that's fine since it's static and reachable on a step ladder.
To address the loops on the side, I would suggest that making them curved off the layout. Doing that gives the impression that the layout goes beyond what's visible and you avoid potental shorts from the reverse loops.
Perhaps consider modeling your layout over a part of the country. Another idea is picking up some layout books, esp. Armstrong's book on operations.
I would suggest adding another cross over between the inner loops and the outer loop, in the opposite direction of the one shown. this would give you the flexability to go between the loops fron any direction without having to back up, or turn the loco on the turntable.
Having an external mainline and an inner loop does increase the fun factor if you will have more than one operator. But I agree with what has been said about the reach issue. I would slim down the centre part, either by removing one of the inner loops (it is a double-track, right?), or remove the inner loops altogether. If you are a lonewolf operator, the inner loop is not really necessary. It takes space, and scenery and yard space. Right now, you have many little spurs... removing the loops would allow you more room for less -but longer spurs or yards. Longer yard tracks is better for passenger and modern equipment... So I guess it depends on how you will operate the layout and the type of rolling stock you will be using on it.
Anyway, that's my two cents worth.
Simon
If you keep those two reversing loops you will need an auto reverser for each one. DCC Specialties makes a good product. Those loops also look kind of long, so remember, you cannot have more than one train in a loop at the same time.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
The first thing that I see on the track plan is an oval and that imidiately looks less then best. Then there is anaissue of reach (i realize it's N, still) Given your room I think you can achieve a much better result with folded dogbone arrangement - takes care of both issues and still maintains continuos run. you can have a better staging/yard, better sidings , roundhouse can be relocated into either left or right loops.
Feel free to disregard if you like your arrangement.
Good luck!
Regards
Anton.
I'm not a huge fan of the ovals, every design I tried seems to stem off of one of them. Orginally I had the round house where one of the loops is currently. I may also drop the second inner loop. This is my first attempt on paper, but there have been some good suggestions so far.
I have made cardboard mockups to see about reach. I didn't mention, but the room is an attic with sloped walls, so the table will only be about 32 inches off the floor. Much higher than that and I start running into height issues with the ceiling and stuff mounted on the walls. With it being down so low. I can get to the back right corner with not a whole lot of trouble and with the left wing narrower, the back left corner is no problem.
Welcome to the forum.
Most experienced builders find that they cannot reach more than 30" into a scenicked layout without damage. So the deep corners of your current plan are concerning. As others have said, a more organic benchwork shape and different track arrangement might improve appearance, access, and operating interest.
Good luck with your layout.
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Bear with me as I'm still a new user so my posts won't show up for quite some time. I've changed the benchwork some to shorten the reach into the corners, removed the reversing loop and one of the inner loops. There are 2 versions, one retaining the oval with a bigger yard and one with a dog bone that I actually don't like, but I can shrink back the benchwork some on that one, just not sure how to integrate a yard into the dog bone layout. I've also moved the roundhouse into the loop and narrowed the right wing to 24 inches to help shorten the reach.