When last I left, Moonman gave me some reference material on planning for a layout, thank you for that and I feel I'm ready to debut what I feel will be my layout.
I have scaled back my layout even smaller, trying to keep with a KISS formula, yet give me my TWO train operation...
The layout is 5' x 17'. My electrical panel is in the upper left hand corner, so I have kept an open area to A) get to it even in the dark...
B) give me another reach area
As with many layouts, I have some compromises... I have a furnace and a chimney in the way, almost in the middle of the furnace room. This limits me to only 5' wide and means I have to now walk behind the furnace to get to the other side of the layout and / or the electrical panel.
That being said, I like to think of it as two VANTAGE points...
The layout uses O-60 curves that radius into O-48, for the not totally symmetrical look...
The yard however, read compromise... has an inner O-31, but that is ok, as my engines and cars will run through it.
I am wondering though, if there is a way for me to improve on my yard... right now I either have to back in... OR I'll have to do the manual pick up and turn around...
EDIT: Using Lionel Fastrack. O-72 Switches.