I have provided a link to another sketch i played around with last night.
-I know the table edges are very SQUARE, but that can be easily changed to increase the curb appeal of the layout.
-I'm much happier with the overall look, and think its easily my best effort yet.
-I used the method of squares and i'm pretty sure the curves and switches in the yard will fit as drawn. If you can make out the grid it's 18" squares, so nearly broad curves, but much larger than conventional curves.
-I still have some concerns with the staging. I like how the staging space is incorporated more so than previous versions, but i'm not sure if the track arangement i've set is very functional. (Yes the entire red box at location (5) is staging).
-Removable shelf at the window is 12 inches wide, allowing access for cleaning, etc.
-I like the position of the port, and have some great ideas about pealing the top layers off of corregated cardboard to model steel sheetpile on the bulkheads!!! (we will see how the test runs go!)
-I have the ability for continuious running without the use of a helix or a second level. For my first model, i'm not sure if i can master the helix or not... i will yeild to the experince of others as to how tricky i could expect one to be.
-My river crossing is still curved, not very realistic... but i havent managed to fit a straight section of track long enough to span a river between the points of reverse curvature at (2).
-I have shown the port, one other large industry, a possible passanger station (blah), and 4 smaller industries... The two small industries at (4) could possibly be replaced with another large industry. Not at much as i had origionally hoped... but i had to sacrafice something.
-I'm down to one yard, and its single ended... kinda... i dont really know what you would call it...
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd258/chas_kev/Layouts001.jpg
I look forward to any critiques... comments... suggestions... whatever!!
I think i'm getting close to a layout that i can plan in a bit more detail, including building sizes and the like!!
Cheers!