I am in the process of planning and designing my first layout and would like some help with ideas for designing the formation of track and turnouts and the numbers of each that I should use. I only have room for a 6' By 12' table top and would like help deciding what I could fit in there. In it I would like there to be a large loop with a radius large enough to run a Santa Fe 2-10-2 and I would want to include a yard, possibly an engine terminal, branchline (if possible) and enough track for switching and operations so that I don't get bored with it. I had the idea that the branchline could go up into a mountain in the center of the table. Also, I don't want it to look crowded. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
First of all, what scale will your model railroad be? Makes a big difference as to what you can include in the layout.
When I was getting started in serious model railroading (the better part of 40 years ago), I spent a lot of time poring over Kalmbach books such as "101 Track Plans" and John Armstrong's "Track Planning For Realistic Operation." I highly recommend both. Armstrong goes into detail on turnout numbers and curve radii and what they will permit in the way of equipment. Pay attention to these limits! There is inevitably a compromise between operating potential and realistic appearance, or track volume vs. scenery.
Based on personal experience, I'd also caution you to be very conservative in designing your track plan. Allow more space than you think you'll need, especially for straight track leading to turnouts, etc. Shaving space or tightening already sharp curves will only lead to chronic operating problems.
Scale? Of course.
And there may be much better ways to use your space than a 6X12 table top.
Jim Murray The San Juan Southern RR