Put simply it's a figure 8 plan w/ one of the loops folded over &/or around the other loop. Don't know if that concept would work for this layout w/ the bridge being needed.
Shortround: A folded figure 8 (Also known as a twice around) can double the length of a mainline, but, as Cajon pointed out, the lift-out bridge will need to be wide enough to hold 2 tracks running parallel to each other. For some modelers, the length of the mainline is one of the highest priorities and they will sacrifice buildings, scenery and any hope for lots of open area without tracks on it...just to get a long mainline. Other modelers hate the spaghetti bowl feeling that a folded figure 8 might produce and they'll quickly select a plan with only one loop so there is more space on the layout for scenery, industries, and industrial sidings. Your choice.
OK, i revised my plan, and did some thinking. I will build Two layouts, the second being the larger and in N scale. i would just build in N to start with but as i have several HO locos and rolling stock that i don't want to get rid of. I cut back the trackwork on the HO layout and lowered it to about 30" so its best viewed wile sitting. I'm going to build the N scale benchwork at about 50" to view it wile standing. I hope to start building in March so i still have time to plan. Anyways, here is the updated HO plan, its build more for watching trains run with scenery rather than having industries and switching.
IF you are ever going to work both of the spurs you're going to need a siding to run around your train to shove cars into the spurs. Otherwise make both spurs off trailing point switches to be able to make setout/pickup moves.
Definately need a run around/passing siding somehwere to make this one work. But I like the simplicity.
Well, after running around with several plans, ideas and failed XtrackCAD works i came up with this, It seems to fit my style more as it think about it. i get a double loop. Some switching and 26" min radii, i removed the lift out in favor of a drop leaf section i will build with hinges. Its going to be modeled as a scenic run in a fictional place in Ohio (My home state) that sees traffic from the C&O, the B&O, and what ever els i may come across in the hobby shops . I don't want to over load it with track cause i want a Scenic layout and im not much into switching back and forth. i just want to watch my trains run. It still has a few industry switches, but over all. things just "Feel" right when i look at this plan, it still needs a bit o' tweaking though.
That is a very nice and clean layout serving your purpose. Would it be nice to have the choice of different trains to run and watch? In that case a hidden staging yard might be of interest without taking space from the scenery of forcing you into switching. Another option might be a stub track to the layout boarder that can inject new trains into the layout from a cassette.
