Helping My Brother-In-Law Design a Layout

Jim, nice plan, lots of action, pretty well thought out except the yard. If the height is over 36" your b-i-law will have a tough time reaching the back tracks that are apparently against the wall.

Jim,

Can you post a picture or pdf of your layout plan>

Jan

I concur with FEC Fan. The yard may have a reach problem. Nice design. Like the way the passing sidings are set up for the most part. I'd change out that crossover at the top left in favor of using a right/left turnout combination to eliminate the reverse-curve on the mainline. Also, on the industrial spurs, make sure you have at least 3.5" spacing between the track centerlines -- 4" would be better.

Jim

I'll add on to the feedback from FEC Fan and Matt.  You have the makings of a very nice traditional toy train layout and could make a few tweaks to improve it.  Reach in to switches maxes out at about 36 inches, perhaps a bit more.  That might be ok if the layout isn't too high or your brother in law is tall with a long reach.

Traditional thinking tends to produce layouts that look like a 4x8 on steroids.  There are other options and they are viable concepts weather you like the look of detailed scenery or classic operating accessories. 

Have you considered an around the walls design?  A bent dog bone could get you much longer main line runs, a longer yard with more car capacity yet fewer switches, less reach in and more space for people in the middle of the room.