8x23 layout.

 I suppose it depends on how you like to run your trains but I find the around the outside of the layout type  gets boring very fast especially with straight track.   You really don't need  4  tracks in & out of the turntable. (however  each pair could be inbound shop and the other pair outbound) anyway it's your layout  and if  a first you'll  get some ideas as things go along.  Having said that... I really like this layout  just a little bit better.  

https://ogrforum.com/topic/plan-drawing

Brandon , 

I like the Track plan.

Don't forget about Integrated Signal Systems.com 

I see your going to need some traffic control on that Layout.

Good luck,John 

Nice plan, Steve. I would flip the crossovers at 12 o'clock to enable a train to go to any line or come from any line to reverse direction. Then, of course, the 6 o'clocks would need to be flipped.

Here is an idea using your dimensions and track. Carl thanks for pointing out my error. I should have gone to bed earlier!

Not an error! Just makes the already versatile layout more versatile and fun. I made something similar for someone with a 4' x 16' space in FasTrack.

Are you using #5 switches?

Carl the outside loops are connected with #5 switches. The inner loop uses all 072. This attachment shows the item numbers.

nice layout brandon  i like some of the stuff steve add good luck keep us posted

Well right now I think I'm going to start with an 8x13 layout with options to go the full 23ft after 13ft I'm fighting a doorway. Here is my revised layout in 8x13. Im using 081 outer and 072 inner loop. What does everyone think?

Looks nice once I can reclaim my garage I plan to do like 8' x 18' will see as time goes. I haven't even started to try and figure out a layout as I have so much work to do it first. 

Brandon, it might help if you outlined the entire space the layout will be going into and attach your SCARM file. Can I assume the 8x23 space is a portion of a larger room and the door is the entry to the room? Since there's a door you have to contend with, can I also assume at least one side of the layout is up against a wall, and potentially both ends. If one side is up against a wall, then you need some access hatches because you can't reach across 8' to deal with problems. If it's not up against the wall, is it a large table with access all around?

Also, I could be wrong, but it seems like the choice of curves is more about filling the space than an operational requirement. I get that equipment looks better on larger curves, but if it's at the expense of lost design opportunities, I'm not sure it's a fair trade-off. Is the idea to run long trains with large engines? Admittedly, I'm not a fan of the concentric dual mains that consume the entire layout, though I understand some like to run passenger trains, subways, etc.

Anyway, it looks like the "yard" in the 8x13 design is too small to be of much value. If those are 10" straight tracks, the longest section will only hold about 6 cars, a total of around 15 or so. As it is now, I see you pulling an engine out of the roundhouse, running it halfway around the layout to pick up a few cars, run around the ovals a few times, maybe drop some cars off and pick up some others, and then do it all over again with another engine. You can "work" 2 trains going in opposite directions and turn engines on the TT, so that will add some variety. It looks like you can move the yard 1 more track to the left and that will let you add a little more storage.