I've been designing N scale layouts for my new available space for a month now with no real success. So maybe you guys can help. My space is 3'x9', and on the right is room for a 2'x2' extension to make an L shape layout. My list of desires is this: continuous running ability 13" mainline min radius 10" minimum everywhere else single track mainline with some passing sidings small yard branchline I can operate as a point to point some elevation change some industries I model the northeast, specifically the Adirondacks, New England, and some of the Hudson Valley. My modeled roads are B&M, D&H, NH, NYC, Erie, EL, PC, CR. Just depends on what equipment gets pulled out of the box. I've had some good parts of plans, but can't seem to string it all together. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to what you can come up and some inspiration. Thank you!
That would help. I'm figuring in the range of 10-12 cars or so, 40 and 50 footers. Branch would be more like 5-7.
Oh. If that's all, then passing tracks will still need over 4' clear between turnouts. With that shape and the stated radii, the mainline can't reach into the L section, but the branch can make a turnaround there. I'm not thinking a return loop, just a stub-end branch that twists around.
Pretty much what I was thinking. I really enjoy branchline operation with some challenging switching. I just like having a mainline that I can have a train chugging along on while I do other fun things with locals and in the yard.