First impression

It seems like a lot of switchbacks on there.  You say your previous plan exceeded your thoughts of simplicity.  This seems awfully complicated to switch and doesn't leave much room for any buildings for industries, but I guess if your main purpose is the AP, then it makes sense.

Some Suggestions

I would simplify the switching area. Getting to the run-around takes a fair amount of work. Here is a quick idea. You would want to make sure there is room at the stub for an engine and at least one car I would prefer at least an engine and 2 cars. It might be a switching nightmare if not enough room.

Also on the yard module, I would add a run-around from the yard track closest to the main so a train can enter the yard from either direction and have the loco get out.

Looks like a great way to start getting a layout!

Chris

@Dave

My problem with complexity was with construction and setup for operation, not relating to the trackwork. Maybe I am taking on too much. 

I would

suggest mocking it up a bit just to see how much room you have to switch.  You'll know pretty quickly if it is workable.

Room Size

It looks to me that this is going to be placed away from the walls so both sides can be accessed? Takes up a whole lot of room that way. I would look at the possibility of putting the 2 sections end to end with a reverse loop at either end. The reverse loop could then be moved if and when you want to add another section. This also depends on if there is enough room to do this. It would be much easier in N scale then HO.

However you decide to go a mock up is a great idea.

Jack

@Jack

The room isn't long enough to achieve what you describe. Yes, it takes up room but with the ends folded down it squares out to 4'x6' and since it is on wheels can be wheeled into a corner of the room. Access to certain points is essential when the layout is not in use. 

My .02

I intentionally put in a switchback ( and with limited locomotive/car length ) and really enjoy switching that part of my layout. Yes, it ain't easy, and no, don't go in there with a 2-8-2, but learning it's limitations adds to the nuance of the siding. I would really enjoy switching that lower section.

Michael

@Chris

OK. Good ideas is this what you were suggesting?

You captured my ideas

Hi Greg,

Your drawing is exactly what I was suggesting. Obviously you need to make sure you are happy with it and represents what would be interesting to you. I think you will be a lot happier with the yard run around.

After thinking about it more there might also be room to have the industrial run-around between the two main tracks if they are 4 inches apart.  That might create a bad s-curve next to the 18 inch radius track.  If you could make it work it would give you more room for buildings/industries. 

You could have the turnout for the industry going to the left come off the run-around (in its current position) and push the tracks going to the right down a little bit, giving you a few more inches of track on the switchback tail. But they would also get shorter. Always more stuff to think about.

What is probably more important is that you start building. Advice I should take myself!

Good Luck! Keep us posted on progress. Chris

Another look

It's really hard to tell scale from the drawing, but looking at the top module, the lowest switchback on the right - how much room do you have there?  It doesn't look like it is enough room for a loco and even a single car to switch those bottom tracks.  Or are you using a trackmobile or 44 tonner or something?  

Again, it could be enough, but it's hard to tell.

@Dave

I only need room for one loco, those lead to an engine house and loco servicing.

Ah!

OK, that makes sense.  Look forward to seeing you progress on the construction.

Loco Servicing

You may want to leave a bit more room than just one locomotive length. It will make it easier to get sand and fuel back to the servicing facility.

Chris

One loco

Ahhh, now make that a steam loco with servicing, and see how it goes (0-6-0T, perhaps).

Similar

I had something similar to that several years ago as a temporary layout while I planned the one I built.  They can be fun.  Only issue with mine was the return loops at the end were the recycled "under the Christmas tree" loop bases, so 1 month a year the layout was just a switching module.

I've made some changes.

A few suggestions have developed into this:

The tail for the switchback into the servicing facilities has been increased. The curved tracks in the lower section will go into downtown industries. There will be a road running parallel to the angled track and some of the track will be embedded in the pavement. Hope to buy lumber next week.
 

Street

On the lower module, consider running the street parallel to the diagonal line.  The curved tracks go into the front of the buildings and the track on the left that is currently parallel to the front could be parallel to the diagonal and be a track serving the front, street side of a building.

@ Dave

YES! That's exactly what I want. Thanks for illustrating it.

Street Tracks

Greg (and Dave),

That will be really cool - but a lot of turnouts embedded in pavement!  I might consider turning the street toward the front of the module before you get to the mainline crossover so your crossover isn't in pavement.   Just a thought.

@Alan

I think I'll move the crossover so it isn't in the pavement. 

Radius

For the tracks in the building you can go with pretty tight radii, down to 15” or so.

I like the changes

I like where you are going with the updated plans. Keep us posted on progress.

Chris

Just do it

Greg

Looks like fun and you could also butt the 2 modules together if situations change and you want to make a shelf layout. Just keep the track spacing aligned with that in mind and the flexibility is there if you ever need it   

Jeff

N-Trak Module

Here is an N-Trak module I built about 30 years ago, the picture was taken right before I sold it so the pegboard isn't the backdrop its packing.  In any case it is sorta the same concept, with a little different execution.  The furthest left building and two closest to the front were scratchbuilt, the coal yard was a kit and everything else, the two four story buildings, the row homes and the yellow brick building, was kitbashed from "GE Factory" kits.  The scrap pile was aluminum foil, blended.  The rust color on the ground and ballast was made by soaking steel wool in vinegar.