Looking for feedback on an almost 5'x12x layout

Some nice ideas there.  Only suggestion would be to add another entry / exit point for that smaller oval, on the other side of the current one.

Chuck

I like the design very much.  Have you considered adding fold- over elevated reverse loops?

I agree with the suggestion to consider adding at least one reverse loop. The other suggestion that I have is to move the outer-loop switch (turnout) in the upper-right corner so that the primary travel through the switch is straight through, not turned out. I would move the switch location up and to the left by one section, even in if it means shortening the adjacent spur, and use a right-hand switch.

I like the kink on the right side of the layout, it will make it more interesting than an oval.

RikTrack made a good point - reversing loops add variety and end the monotony of running trains along endless (and boring) oval routes.  Actually, you need two reversing loops so a train can reverse direction and then reverse again back to its original direction.

Further, consider make the stub sidings LONGER, so you can store a longer consist of cars. If spacing can be provided at each side of a siding, action accessories can be placed of both sides of the track; i.e., a Sawmill on one side, and a Lumber Loader on the other side. One section of track can support two actions.

Carry on, valiantly ...

Mike Mottler   LCCA 12394
(Like you, I returned to the hobby after after a 40-year hiatus)

Thanks for the advice everyone, added another turnout to the inner loop per Chuck's suggestion. See below

@Matt_GNo27, I like the idea of moving that switch up so the mainline goes through straight. Not pictured here but it looks like it works without taking much off the sidings. I'll probably play around with it when I get benchwork built, as the main downside is that I would need a second righthand 0-42 switch (currently have one left, one right).

As far as reversing loops, I might play around with finding a good place to add one in. I've been trying to avoid an elevated section going over everything as it seems like it would make things look a little too busy. I might be able to fit one on the inner loop, is definitely worth looking into.