My first layout

I assume the mainline bridges will be a duck-under, lift-out or lift-up and you're okay with the 18" entry aisle. Without knowing your overall goal, other than to run trains, I see nothing inherently wrong with design. I am concerned though that the whisker tracks on the turntable are too short at only 15.5". I just measured my RailKing SD70ACe diesel and it's a tad over 16", so you might want to check the length of your engines.

Thanks for the comments Dave. A couple good points. I've made a couple small changes that will give me a little more room for entry and move things around to allow 20 inches for the turntable tracks. The bridge will either be lift out or swing up. Haven't decided yet. Right now I will just run a couple trains but thought maybe I could do a couple operational things on the right side or maybe just some warehouses. DOn't know yet.

Dale,

I made some changes to the yard area on the left to lengthen the tracks and added a yard lead so you can work in the yard without fouling the main.  You will now be able to run two trains on the mains.

I also moved one crossover to the right side which will allow you to pass a train stopped on the main.

Jan

Good ideas. Thanks Jan.

So here is what it is looking like now with Dave and Jan's ideas incorporated. Don't have SCARM version yet.

Dale,

Here;s a change that improves operations.  First I extended the yard lead so you can accept and build longer trains.  Also, there is a short runaround siding using the turntable approach.

I've also attached a table of track combinations for given desired lengths.  This is quite useful in filling in gaps between track ends.

Jan

Removed last of the custom cut straights.

Thanks Jan for all your help. Layout is really looking good. Don't know if you noticed but I have a turnout in the upper right that isn't going anywhere. I was thinking I could use that side of the layout for something more industrial with maybe a couple operating accessories and cars. Do you think there is room for anything like that ?

Dale,

I have found that operating accessories, if children are involved, need to be located near the layout edges and in easy reach.  The yard lead is ideal for that.  Are the 3 sides up against walls or can one walk around? 

If you are interested in switching operations then multiple sidings can make for interesting operations.  What are you ideas for scenery?  You have multiple places for passenger stations with a possible siding for a freight house.

But, do not fill in the open area with track.  Leave space for scenery,  Look at the thread on vignettes

Jan

Thanks for the advice Jan. Unfortunately I don't have a creative bone in my body so I think I will leave the right side empty till I figure out what to do with it. I can always add things after the layouts up and running. The three sides are all against walls so there is no walking around. Don't know where passenger stations or a freight house would go but will give it some thought. Thanks for all your help. Probably won't get started till after Christmas. Still need to get in touch with Mianne for benchwork.

Here are some ideas that leave space for a downtown street.  In the SE corner I replace the cO54/O63 curves with O63/O72 so I could insert an O72 switch to create a siding.  The buildings are all from the RR-Track libraries.

Jan

  If it doesn't swing out of the way, you'll need a place to set the bridge down at times. Knuckles slammed are a possibilty hinged. I've been there, and would make sure it had a good lean, or locking hinges, for when vertical, or use a drop down bridge or "half door" instead.

Thanks Jan for all your help and  Adriatic for your bridge advice. Will be getting in touch with Mianne to see what they can do for me regarding benchwork and what it will cost. Thanks again.