Latest version of my proposed layout

Dick H, having readjusted my layout (9x13) several times because I had no place for a decent sized yard, I added long sidings wherever possible, that way I can keep rolling stock and engines on the track. You already have a few. Seems to me there may be room to add a second line across the top or perhaps traversing in front of the "y" at the top center (right to left).  Will you be able to access the left and right sides of the layout to build or service? Long reach otherwise. Also no curves over 42" dia?

I like how you will get an extended run before crossing over the same path. Of course there is the issue of too much track, no room for scenery, but that will always be the balance with a modest layout. Jeff 

Thanks. I had a line across the top, above the wye, for many previous iterations. The wye itself was set differently as well - but think I like this better. Yes, I have access to all sides, not easy access, but possible with a ladder - the layout is partially suspended (long story) above half of a two-car garage - it does not go against any walls. Yard area and operating station are in a loft with easy access to underside, etc. Mountain division will be installed VERY carefully so as to minimize any need for access. Am doing this "on the cheap" with my existing 40" AF (prewar 3/16" scale as shown in my book) track - at 83, my goal is to try and buy nothing more!

Well I think you've answered your question.  I missed your using American Flyer track and your prewar equipment.  I didn't think of looking at your profile prior to responding.

Post photos when you get the track laid.

Jeff

I would create a larger lead for the yard by moving the S3 green switch on the left hand section to the bottom of the layout, where the red straight track section is located. The S3 divergent would feed the yard, and the straight setting would move into a curve slightly to the right of the existing drawing track, and would be the main line. This would use up a little of the space in the bottom right corner of the left hand section, however the larger yard lead will result in shunting operations rarely fouling the main line.

You have a long passing sidings on both sides of the layout, which is excellent, allowing trains to easily pass, which makes for some fun operating possibilities.

If you wanted to add more industries and switching, you could add industries and a switch in most of your layout corners. This is an easy way to have more industries, even though the track may only handle 1 or 2 cars.

Thanks, Joe. I believe lead is already long enough to handle the longest train I can manage. That is one of the main things I worked on. The interior loop controlled by S2 is actually the primary main. The loop with siding controlled by S3 would be the secondary main. It does provide the longest run and should also allow for two trains on the line at once, if practical. My existing switch inventory may govern the addition of more spurs, and the left side is track-heavy already. There will be a depressed river canyon between the left and right sections, the latter of which I want to be more "open". We'll see - this thing is a long way from done. Hope to start benchwork this spring, but the right-of-way is HEAVILY cluttered with "stuff" at present.

Everyone looks at a trackplan differently and has ideas about what they would do.    You asked for ideas, so I will offer some.

I don't see the need for switch S8 to access the TT.    I would remove this and add another whisker track off the TT.   Locos can turn on the table, and if you want turn trains in the yard, you have the reverse loop.     I'm not a big fan of that loop, but I can see why you want it.

My purpose is to relocate the engine servicing stuff to the TT leads to make servicing a loco more efficient on the way in or out as the real RRs would do and as my IE experience tells me is a better process.     I would remove switch S6 and move the caboose track out where the ashpit/coal delivery is located.    then I would put switch S8 in off the straight line of S5 to run a second track into the TT at that point.     I  would move the ashpit to this track and put the water tower in the area someplace where the beginning of the current caboose track is located.    The ashpit track would be the new caboose track.      The passenger track could be brought closer to the new caboose track with the water tower moved.     The the unmarked yard track could also be moved closer to the passenger track.        Now I have an issue.    I need/want another LH switch like S8 to put on the straight side of the new S8 location to provide a place for the coal delivery to the tipple, and the ashpit gondola.    This track could be routed past the TT and the far end used to store a work train with crane, crane tender and any other work cars that need to be "ready" but not  used much, hopefully.

Thank you. Good, and inventive, insights - I'll play around with it some more. SO easy to do with a computer - probably have at least 50 variations stored; kinda fun to go back and look at some of my early tries and wonder, what was I thinking? As more of an aspiring high-railer than toy operator, I do want to make operations as prototypical as possible, within the (very serious) confines of space and what equipment I have. Not saying I can't buy one more switch - just don't want to go hog-wild.