Turns out, it's not possible, even when modeling in N scale. Then again, I'm dealing with a 2' wide shelf layout and a rather large passenger station area (2x8). I can't seem to find a good way to have my 5-6 station tracks, plus 3 coach yard tracks, plus the large Walthers Union Station (which I'm considering modifying it a little), plus a four-lane highway in front of it. I'm at a point right now of placing the building above tracks (stub-ended tracks). Ugh! Thanks for listening to my whining. I may post some pics and take a poll. See what you guys and gals think.
How about using only the track-side part of the station, up against the backdrop? Your trains can pull in, you just can't see the whole station!
I think you are looking at selective compression which is a reality even N and Z Scale folks must face.
I had another thought as I got home tonight. I will actually have plenty of room for everything, including five full length tracks, and may just shorten two of them (so I'll have seven total) and make them commuter tracks, shorter, stub-ended on the side of the building. I'll try to get a mockup of the station done and placed on the layout and see what it looks like.
Sounds like a Z scale empire on those shelves. But actually, do you have to have a 4 lane highway? You are going to have to live with 2 lanes. You will not be able to have more than 3 station tracks and you will have to cut that station down a bit. If you can't go to Z, then save the heart ache and shrink your plans. Have you thought about simply making a plan of your own? It sounds like you are trying to be prototypical here. Cheers, Jim CCRR/Socalz44
