Need help with design

Your diagram of "tables" is not much help, but does indicate one problem.  The vast majority of us can not easily reach 4 feet across a table.  The usual recommendation is to limit reach to either 24 or 30 inches.  Some will push that to 36 inches, depending on table height and actual length of reach.

For more help, provide a diagram of your entire area and show all obstructions (like the posts you identified in your first diagram) including windows, doors, mechanicals (HVAC, electric, water heater, etc.) and any areas you just can't use for a layout.   Since it seems like you do this by hand, please use darker ink, try to print larger, and place all so that it can be read without having to turn the page upside down or on its side.  Most of us look only at a computer screen and my neck just can't "crane" that easily any more.

Finally, give us some idea of what you want in a layout.  From your first diagram, you seem to want an engine facility (including turntable) and the use of some industries.  Does that mean you favor operations over loop running?  Should loop running be given preference (and, if so, how many loops)?  Have you looked for other track plans on this forum, or on other model railroad fora, and, if so, have you seen any you might like to adapt to your space?

With this info, members of this forum will be glad to help.

And, for the record, there is an Apple based track planning software called Railroad Modeler (I think) which might aid you in developing your own plans.  There is also a completely free program called XtrakCAD which is downloadable and useable on Windows, Apple and Linux computers.

Chuck

They are right. Most people can't reach over 30". Measure how far you can reach. find a table that is waist high. Bend over the table at you waist. That is how far you can reach. Adjust your table height accordingly. OR use a small step stool to raise your height so your reach is maximum. But the step stool defeats the purpose of the new layout.

The turntable area is too wide. try a 6 foot wide peninsula with a 3 foot reach on either side.

This might help to identify your "reach" issues.  Cut a colored piece of paper into a circle into whatever dimensions you are using in your drawings to represent 60" diameter, or whatever reach distance you are comfortable with.  Mark the exact center of this circle so you have a 30" radius in any direction.  Move this piece of paper over various points of your drawing placing the center mark on the edge of a table.  Mark any areas that fall outside this reachable zone.

Also remember that "reach" isn't your fingertips, it's the reach that you can actually do useful work with your hands!

My benchwork top is 41-42 inches high, depending on the floor leveling.  I'm 5' 8" tall, my actual useful "reach" is 27" though I can touch something 30" in.  I keep a small folding stool in the train room to extend my "reach".

My layout is similar in concept to yours, 14' x 28' with center peninsula.  The mainlines loop around the outside with a lift-up bridge giving access to the interior.

I use two different aisle widths, 2 ft and 3 ft. I would like them to be wider but I and constrained by the room width.  The 3 ft aisle is by the lift-up bridge and is intended for visitors.  The 2 ft aisle is across the peninsula and not intended for visitors as two people cannot pass in it.

My peninsula is 22 ft long by 4 ft wide and holds the yard. It is accessed via a wye from the mainline.  I've maximized the peninsula's length to maximize the length of the stub tracks to maximize capacity.  My minimum radius is O72 so I've lost 3 ft of my 22 ft.  The construction of the ladder will further reduce the usable length of the stub tracks.  So length is more important than width.

Engine service are linear in nature. so 3 to 4 ft is sufficient width unless you are planning on housing LOTS of locomotives.

They do make roll-around "creepers" that will allow one to reach over 3 ft.  https://www.micromark.com/Tops...adder-Support-System

I've used triangular fillets to accommodate the large diameter curves O90 and O99 of the mainlines. One thing bad about there large diameter curves is that they take away from straight runs of track which leads further reductions of usable straight portions when you include turnouts for sidings and crossovers.

I reexamine the use of the interior area.  Consider 1 ' to 2' angled bump outs for industries.  Perhaps a larger one for your engine facility.

Jan

PS.  Check the engine service facility in the OGR Oct-Nov 2018 issue with Norm Charbonneau's Northbrook layout rebuild.

I  appreciate the comments that have been given.   I will be going back to the drawing board to improve  my drawing.   Plus all the tables that are 4x4’s have 3ft of space on each side.  I wood like to have a yard to create trains, a couple factories, turntable, two main loops, three sidings, and if possible a loop on a second level. I also will be getting a creeper.  The new drawing is forthcoming.  I do plan on having several bump outs where needed.

Thanks for the advice.

I will be using Lionel Fastrack 072 and 084.