I've posted design options here before and always tried to complicate things (even last time)!  The truth of the matter is that I don't have a lot of space.  At the prompting of my lovely wife (who by the way thinks I don't really want to FINISH a layout, just keep redesign it...) I have tried to simplify things, yet capture the things that I would like to see in my miniature world.

The space that I have is a smidge larger than 12' x 12'.  I really didn't want anything across the doorway, so everything needs to turn around on both ends.  (Continuous running is important to me.)  I also had to compromise on turnout radius.  The minimum is 28, but most is 30"".  I will be utilizing FT/CVT turnouts throughout, and plan on a lot of curved turnouts to best utilize the space.  While I want the ability to run trains in a loop, I also want to be able to operate the layout somewhat prototypically so I am planning several industries (4 - 5).

Here are the things I need/like to have:

4 - 5 industries (Need)

3 track yard (Need)

Main Street (Need)

Continuous running (Need)

Engine Facilities (Like)

mountains (Like)

bridges (Like)

The upper deck (56") will have the industries and a station and main street (modeled after Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom.  The lower deck (36") will have a mountain/bridge scene and yard operations (including parking some trains for staging).  The two levels will be connected via a five turn double track (29.75" & 32" radius) helix.

Here is what I have so far.  I think that it is fairly simple, I eliminated the spaghetti.   With that, I turn it over to your capable and more experienced hands for our review and criticism.

Thanks!

Ryan