http://www.naisp.net/users/mfischer/m_train2.htm - this site had a couple of great plans with engine facilities that also incorporated a loop in the track play. I am modeling a 19' by 9' area, mostly along the wall (G shape). On the long area I have a couple of 'tonsils', one of which I was going to make for servicing 1960's diesel engines and car servicing. How realistic would it be to adapt one of these plans so that the 'tonsil' area had a loop connecting to the mainline, and so the facility wasn't a point to point?
If you didn't want your loop to appear as a loop, think about running it partially behind a backdrop. You can hide the entries into the backdrop with buildings, trees, etc, and disguise the exposed parts of the loop as some type of service track.
In terms of planning and engineering wise, I don't think it would be a problem, but visually it would look a bit weird. Although Roberts Bank in British Columbia, by the ferry over to Victoria is one giant loop around intermodal and coal. If you read and purchase Trains mag, there was an article on Roberts Bank about two years ago, you might want to check that out. Generally many would visually disguise the loop as Bill has suggested with a back drop down the center to give you two distinct scenes.
Loop tracks are common in many yard operations. CSX (former NYC) Selkirk, NY yard has a loop at one end of the engine facility with a rainwater runoff pond in the middle. I know there is a big yard in California, can't think of the name at the moment, that has a loop with curvature to allow entire trains to run on it. New Haven & Danbury, CT have loop tracks also.
In North Vancouver, BC there a loop track to for coal dumping and feeding cars to the ships. Loops are definitely around.
