The "Final Layout" plan

There are a lot of good possibilities there Ken. To get more precise feedback I would suggest that you pose specific questions.

It would also help if you could tell us what size curves you are using in the various locations and what type of equipment you plan to run.  Please be as detailed as possible.

Chuck

On 7/23 I posted a drawing of the layout I planned to adapt to my 12 x 24 train room in a new house we built. (Future owners can convert it to a third garage.) The outer loop uses 072 curves, the inner loop uses 054, and the remaining curves are a mix of 036 and 031. The switches are all 022. There are a number of questions in my head, but I'll start with this: Given the tight allowances for the double wye, the Bascule bridge, and the Mianne lift bridge, it seems logical to get those areas in alignment before worrying about the rest of the track. I want the Bascule bridge facing as it does with the house inside the benchwork. Clearly, this will shift the outer loop. You will note both on the schematic and the photos, that a lot of switches are in close proximity. Do any of you see this as problematic? The intent is to create two reverse loops and yards approachable from either direction. The Bascule bridge crosses over what will become a "gorge" with water. Knowing the bridge needs support and that presently corner of a switch for a yard clips the edge of the opening, I have a clear piece of tempered plate glass being cut for the opening so viewers will be able to see the gorge. Thoughts?

The nice thing about tubular track is that it can be cut to the size you need. My suggestion would be to get the integral pieces in place first and modify the track accordingly. It’s been my recent experience that straight pieces of track around the switches, especially your 3rd photo, will help prevent derailments.
Jay

Thanks, Jay, and I believe your assessment to be the best approach. The Bascule bridge must go where it is pictured and I insist that the house not hang over the edge. With those "absolutes," the outer line of the track must fall where it will and all other locations of the track must adhere to that line. I'm going to temporarily fix the bridge in place and see what that does to the rest--especially the wye and crossovers. Tune in for picture updates!