Looks like an interesting concept.

What scale will you be modeling in?

Also will you be using commercial switches or hand laying the switches as some look pretty sharp. 

I am a big fan of switching layouts so please keep us posted. 

Counting the number of switches on your plan looks to be in the neighborhood of 20 total.  Being a switching layout, why spend the money on that number of motorized switch machines when instead you could install push / pull type controls using brass rod, cable, bell cranks and the like, etc.  There are plenty of internet tutorials on this style of control and the money saved on machines can be put to use elsewhere for the layout.  Just my 2 pennies worth.  Looking forward to the progress photos and reports.  

Happy New year to all. 

Jeff EL Marion 2nd Sub 1964

Jeff 

Erie Lackawanna Marion Div.

Dayton Sub 1964

I agree on the tortoises. NO railroad would have dispatcher controlled sidings, especially on industries, on a dead-end branch. Using Caboose throws or Blue Points is much simpler, easier to maintain and far cheaper.  also, no rr would put in a slip switch for industries. Better to have one Longer industry with a few different spots than trying to cram stuff everywhere. As Lance Mindheim (the master planner of switching layouts) always writes, less is more.

Dear Mark,

From a modelling budget perspective, I agree, installing and controlling this many Tortoises needs to be approached with a full knowledge of "what the modeller is getting themselves in for".

I disagree however with the absolute "no rr would..." comments.
For newly-created industrial parks and switching locations (circa 1990s onwards) sure,
(see "Progressive Rail") 
and various other examples where the track and warehouse array is fresh, and right-of-way room is available.

However, particularly in the context of NE roads,
esp those industrial areas which trace their history and original track array back many decades,
and/or may be the result of various "random" track-removals and abandonments,

and model layouts modelling an earlier era (OP mentions the 1950s),
3-way and slip-type switches can/could indeed be found in active service...

http://scalewestrails.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/frankie-smith-rode-double-...
(very short Dbl-slip near Taylor Yard, LA)

http://www.bobsgardenpath.com/Patch2.html
(3-way in the middle of ATSF's "the Patch" industrial area, LA)

BTW, who said the modelled location was a "stub ended branch"?
(I see the "Main Track" exiting "to points beyond" off either free-end of the 2 sections shown?)

Given adequate staging at either end,
the 2 sections shown could easily be placed anywhere along the length of a dispatcher-controlled subdivision,
with the nominated "main track" thru each scene requiring the appropriate signalling...

Also NB that the OP's planning approach here falls neatly into the current MRH "One Module Approach" headspace, as they could easily be built now and integrated into a larger layout later...
(again, this would logically prompt/provoke/imply understanding and configuration of a "thru Main Track" with appropriate signalling and controls _ahead_of_time_ on the "modelled section",
even though the larger layout which would give context to such items does not exist yet...)

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr

The bottom module looks very switch puzzle, the tiny switchbacks and double slip switches seem forced.  It doesn't look like it would be that much fun to switch.

In the long track near the top, I would a pair of RH switches, point to point about a foot to the left of the DS, then lose the DS, from the right RH switch put a LH switch in the turnout and run a connection down to a RH switch in the main to the left of the 3 way switch.  It would allow the same access, actually better access, to the top industries, plus it loses 2 double slips simplifying the design and making it more typical of an industrial area.

I appreciate all the comments and will/have taken in the suggestions.

1. The track plan IS NOT to scale and is a rough drawn pencil sketch of what I would like to have.

2. The "puzzle" and use of 3-way and double slips comes from my experience (several years while at college) at the 55th St. NIckel Plate yards and throat to Cleveland Union Terminal that contained no less than eight (8) double slips that an engineer and conductor had to take both a written and physical test to be certified to operate in that area which served 5 different railroads converging there.

3. I am resurrecting the lumber, track, switches and switch machines from my previous layout - would be a shame to throw all that stuff away.

4. Using standard Code 83 switches and will "adjust" the layout as I lay down the track arrangement. Obviously, some things may have to be modified a bit. 

5. This railroad is meant for me to operate by myself or up to five individuals. Concept is for two switch engines to break down trains and deliver cars to sidings at each end with a train made up and moving to one end and the other once a new consist (max 8 cars) is assembled.

Will post progress photos and commentary as I go along. As an expert in explosives and as a long range shooter in my previous life, I am teaching myself (with your help and that of friends) things like carpentry, electrical, scenery etc. from books and the internet that I never had in school. Unfortunately the dismantelling of the old railroad is being done by hand. . . . LOL!

Did you read my post on this book?

 http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/24768

I recommend you read the first half of that book to help you design your layout.  It will help you in throughout the design.

Den

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/24768

Mike

Am using your suggestion BEFORE I get to track laying. Right now, I'm concentrating on putting up the shelf benchwork. Thanks for the link.