New layout beginning

Some suggestions that might generate more replies...

What kind of equipment do you plan to run (big steamers, diesels, long passenger cars, freight)?   What type of scenery do you prefer?  How do you plan to operate (loop running, switching, etc.)?  Do you have a preferred type of track?

From your pictures, it looks like you are planning 3 to 4 foot wide tables to go around the room.  Anything over 30 inches in depth is highly NOT recommended.  And, you have another reach potential problem where you add that small square to get around that multiple edge corner in the northwest part of the view.  With that extra square, it will be even harder to reach your "storage" areas of track.

Chuck

I would think about adding a second main line - it looks like you have room for it and it will add visual as well as operational interest and the ability to crossover from one line to the other.

I'd also consider keeping the main lines to the outside perimeter and moving the yards to the inside. I'd also split the yard leads earlier so the individual sidings can be longer and hold more equipment.

@Mallard4468 posted:

Some suggestions that might generate more replies...

What kind of equipment do you plan to run (big steamers, diesels, long passenger cars, freight)?   What type of scenery do you prefer?  How do you plan to operate (loop running, switching, etc.)?  Do you have a preferred type of track?

I am looking to run some big steamers along with a mix of diesels also. Looking to run long passenger cars and freight as well.

Scenery would like to have a small town and several industrial sidings as well.

Operation would be a loop with some minor switching. Looking to incorporate a yard also.

Will be using Gargraves track and Ross switches.

Ah! with Gargraves and Ross you can do anything. In addition to the suggestions above (all good) I would think about keeping one side of your layout extremely narrow--just enough for the two-track main and enough scenery to keep trains from falling to the floor. This will give you an opportunity to have your workspace/modeling desk also along that wall.

If you do choose to stick with a single track main line (and your layout will look spacious if you do) think about a runaround track/passing siding in your yard.

If you find exchanging train consists a pain, then two or three double-ended storage sidings might be in order, either as part of your yard or (if you want to keep more than one especially long train on the layout) along one of the long sides of your layout.

You are wise not to try to cram too much into your space. If you're going to build benchwork with a conventional grid, remember that not all sections need to be rectangular. You will prize the open space you preserve in your train room as much as you will the layout itself.