New Layout design

Hope you don't mind, Mark, but for those who don't have RR-Track, here is a jpg image.

I hope you don't mind, but I played around with this quite a bit just to try to make it more functional, not redesign it.

I noticed you used a combination of O31, O42 and O54 curves. IMHO, there is no advantage to using such a combination because the tightest curve determines what can be run. So, I assumed all your rolling stock will run on O42 and I converted it all to that.

You had a few reverse (S) curves on the mainline and I removed those.

Your spurs are almost all a single 10" track and that is simply not long enough for much of anything. So, I reworked those too. Not knowing your plans for landscaping, I moved the small yard on the right further around the curve to make it more useful.

You only have the 1 reversing loop on the left. Once you go through it to reverse a train, the only way to reverse again is to back all the way through the inner loop, obviously not good.

I couldn't figure out the 2 stubs on the upper turnouts, so I extended on and turned the other into another passing siding.

Your spurs all appear to be mini yards rather than spurs servicing industries. My suggestion would be to rethink them. Rather that have a 3-track "yard" on the left, I'd change it to 2 tracks servicing 2 industries. This can be done by removing the leftmost spur and replacing it with a building and adding a building on the other side of the rightmost spur. 

That said, I'd make a lot more changes and here's why.

If this is a large table layout with access all around, you might get away with it. However, I assume this is up against at least 2 walls, so you're going to need at least 2 access panels in the middle. If could be that you plan a lift-out between the loop and the yard on the bottom making it a walk-in. If that's the case, it'll work.

When you get the additional 4x4.5 space, I'd be inclined to do something like the 2nd photo with a lift-out at the bottom, so you can walk in.

Anyway, just some thoughts since no one else has commented yet. If you're using RR-Track v5, let me know if you want the rrt files and I'll add them.

Thanks Dave! The single track at thr bottom is where I will have a drop in section to access the middle of layout. The stub at top left was going to head back to an engine shed. My original intention for the passing siding on top was to elevate this area and bring the lower track under with the other stub leading to the section I hope to add for a yard. Was having issues with the grading as not to make it too steep. Not sure that idea will work right in this space though. Thank you for your help especially since this is my first go around.

First of all, I'm not trying to take over designing your layout for you. I'm just trying to offer suggestions and the best way I know to do that is graphically.

Next, bear in mind that you need to raise the top siding section about 6" for clearance underneath. If you do that with your original design, you're looking at 4.1% and 4.6% grades. Generally, that's considered too steep for all by the shortest trains and most suggest less than 3% and many even closer to 2% for smooth, unrestricted operation.

That said, is this something that captures what you're aiming for?

It still has the steep grades (in purple) to the upper level (green), the "S" curve coming out of the left loop and some "S" curves in the yard/spurs. I assumed all your gear will run on O31, so I left your original O31, O42 and O54 curves. Anything I changed was done using O42 curves/turnouts.

I didn't know if there was access on the right lower side, hence the question there. If there isn't, then you might have some problems accessing those tracks and might need to add a hatch.

Please note also that I was able to add a 2nd reversing loop on the top level that will allow you to run on all your track in both directions without having to back up to turn a train. The only place you have to back up is in the yard.

Anyway, I hope some of this helps.

I'm glad you have offered a few suggestions as I am new to layout planning and didn't realize some of the flaws. I appreciate all your help as this will help me tremendously. The question on access in bottom right is yes, I just need to move the table for laundry when I need to access this area but not an issue.

I hope some others join in because I generally don't change someone's design too much and I'm sure there are other ideas out there for your space. If you have v5, I find the simulation very handy when trying to see how a train will actually operate, including backing into the yard, etc. I look forward to seeing what changes you make as you move forward.