My first thoughts: Too

My first thoughts:

1. Too much single track to triple track.
2. Not much operations.
3. Is this a multi-deck.
4. Switching leads need work. As does the classification yard in the upper left.
5. Why not connect the bridge across the bottom for continuous ops?
6. I like the load in empty out idea, but how many cars are you talking about, it looks like another helix.

answers

Thanks for the feedback, Greg. 

1. The triple track areas right now have that to help get a local, or plant switcher in case of a paper mill at one location, off the main and passing siding.

2. Ways to increase operating potential is one reason for seeking feedback. Helper ops will be possible with the 2% grade, and the areas with triple track now will have industry spurs put in for major large industries: paper mill on RH side of peninsula, and possibly a cement plant on LH side of peninsula. Interior aisle on peninsula will feature branch line to main line interchange. 

3. Yes the RH side of the plan will feature two decks. At first it may just be double decked along the RH wall, as I am not sure of the feasibility of the lower level loop of track under an upper deck that migth be 18-24 inches wide at that point. I have attempted to avoid a helix by including two serpentine loops at the ends of peninsulas instead of concentrating all the hidden track in one area. Using these intertwined loops allows me to avoid the problem of a caboose in one town while the train switches another, adding running length between towns. Scenic options will treat the features so as much track as possible is visible. 

There are no plans at this point to double deck the entire design.

4. Yard is under redesign, and lengthening the switching lead is a top priority. I may have to go with double track to the first "town" there. More yard capacity is needed, as the main yard will be on the LH side of the plan.

5.With a 7 inch height difference, a ramp track for continuous running might be possible in the space, but I am not certain.

6. The loads in/empties out operation would have not have a full "helix loop" but a sloping ramp that went from A to the branch connection in the bottom right hand part of the peninsula. The track would be on a 2% grade and much longer than  a typical unit train would be - passing siding capacity is planned for 11 feet, though 12 would be better.

Here's a revision of an area

Here's a revision of an area of the plan. This focuses on the LH side of the LH part of the central peninsula. This is a paper mill with some tracks extended through the central backdrop for more storage capacity. The RH side of the peninsula will be a large steel trestle scene with river and mountains. 

I tried to be sure I had enough storage capacity in the small yard at the mill to hold excess cars, or those ready for pickup. The mill could be switched by a the mill company, or a short line, adding interchange to the operations. Not sure if I will do that or just have a dedicated local switcher run here from the home yard.

I think I might need to extend the passing siding on the right hand end of the scene to try to be sure I have 11 feet of passing siding for mainline trains. The mill area is flat, but 2% grades exist in the track on either end as this is on the climb to my summit on another part of the layout. Uphill is to the right.

The split helix was an idea I was considering, and settled on after seeing how AZBaja used similar thinking on his layout. There will be one other "blob" style turn that does this on the way to the summit to gain altitude and separate the scenes so the FREDs on my long trains aren't hanging out on the other side of the peninsulas.