Welcome to the forum and to the hobby.
Cj41218I have been having some issues finding a decent spot for my runnaround but still keeping it prototypical at the same time.
Since you are not looking at a particular prototype, you have a lot of flexibility. In the relatively small space that you have, a key technique is overlapping the runaround with industry tracks, switch leads, etc. This often happens on the real-life railroads in tight spaces.
Some examples in smaller spaces than you have available.
This 5X7 HO switching layout could certainly be improved by a little more running length down the left-hand side for a longer switching lead, but it illustrates the overlap well. Often incorporating the runaround into the curve of the “L” works well.
This 2X9 HO switching layout again shows the overlap principle. Read more about this layout here.
Good luck with your layout.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
to the forum.
Cj41218track runs right to each border on this picture
There is no this picture. There is a specific post sticky in the general forum on how to post pictures. It is different than other forums you may participate in and you have to follow the rules. For me Imgur.com is a bit easier than Flickr.com
22" radius gives you 2" from the edge. The rest of the world think everyone needs 30" if you choose your rolling stock and locos with 22" in mind it's doable.
John Armstrongs book Track Planning for Realistic Operation is a must read.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
So my father recently got me wanting to make a layout, due to space I decide a shelf layout in a L shape would suit me best, and also decided to go with HO scale. I guess my main concern is I want prototypical, this certain layout is not going to be modeled after any certain area, it is just my first layout to get me going and to experience some of what this great hobby has to offer until more space is available. I have been having some issues finding a decent spot for my runnaround but still keeping it prototypical at the same time. Any advice is welcome, the size is 7'x2'x4'x2' and the track runs right to each border on this picture. Thank you for any help and suggestions.
See new link, Moved down to narrow gauge thanks https://imgur.com/a/dHrRA