Back when you first posted on this idea, I suggested a published plan of mine from MRP as possible inspiration. While it's too large as-is, the twice-around and shared freight and commuter traffic themes might be useful.
cuyamaI used a twice-around design for a model of the C&NW Chicago commute in Model Railroad Planning 2014 that might offer some ideas. But it’s in a larger space and for an earlier era, so not directly applicable. It included a freight yard and some freight switching.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/270172.aspx
I thought that you made an interesting start with a rough plan that you (at least, I think it was you) posted on the Layout Design SIG's Facebook Group in April. It might be worthwhile to post those plans here to help jumpstart discussion, along with what you like and don't like about them.
Good luck with your layout.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
Hi there. Are there any walls in that space?
Simon
hi all, HO scale modeler with a 10’ x 15’ rectangular space in an open basement. Looking to model Chicago area suburbs in Modern era. Looking for some help from layout designers...
Prefer at least an accommodation for loop running (traverser ok). Not looking for an L shape layout. Want some sort of swing down gate for visitors.
Modern Era with Passenger Station stop or multiple stops (can be Chicago Metra, Amtrak, or both)
One or two local switching industries, plus a transfer junction. Want to model the freight in the hole waiting for traffic to clear.
Too much HO scale equipment to change to N Scale
Layout will be freestanding in an unfinished basement, so Multi level probably won’t work.
I‘ve been kicking around a couple BNSF racetrack plans but the triple track always gets big.