Layout planning

[rem37411]

Folks I could use some help. I have my tables together and my foam down and I am trying to lay out a mainline run but I am very lacking in creativity, I have a (in my opion) very large table for an N scale layout. I am attaching the picture. I can only come up with a mainline that runs most of the way around the perimiter. Granted I enjoy the long trains winding through the hills and mountains and am not much into short lines or switching but I HAVE to be missing a huge opportunity here.

The table on the far end is 10 feet wide, the table protruding into the room is 9.5 feet long and 4 feet wide. The narrow section running down the left hand wall is 17" and widens into about a 4x4 at the bottom of the picture. I really enjoy the scenery portion of modeling but also would like as much train activity on the table as possible. I DO want a switching yard and have considered the possibility of doing a through yard instead of branching one off somewhere.

I know that planning is the key to this so I want to make sure I have a layout that I can have at least two mainline trains running at any given time plus the possibility of a short run.

The track that is on the table was just a preliminary. Since, I have closed the distance between the tracks on the left and have them winding through "hills" and over a bridge. I would like to explore the possibility of adding a third line coming up that side but I really enjoy the curves, I don't just want a long straight run. I have thought about going vertical but with limited beginner skills, have decided against a grade in the run.

I would greatly appreciate any advice or thoughts on this because you guys obviously have the talent to build beautiful layouts as the pictures show.

Thanks for reading and if you've any tips at all I am very eager to hear.

 

[Beachbum]

Hard to suggest anything without knowing what you want in terms of rolling stock, industries, interchanges, etc. You mention two trains running with simultaneous switching? That suggests a 2-track mainline with a yard / industrial area.

But if you want to focus on scenery, a high scenery to track ratio (lots of scenery, little track) is a good thing.

Post more of your "givens and druthers" and I'm sure folks here can help.

 

[rem37411]

Thanks, I didn't really think about that when I posted.
I am more interested in a modern type era, I like the gp 40-2 engine in the CSX scheme.
As far as industry I was originally thinking of a coal mine on the closer table but haven't concreted that plan yet. Possibly a quarry? still up in the air. I would like to run a double main but wouldn't that mean 4 tracks total on the 17" side? I just don't know if that is too "busy"

If I run a double looped main I would only have two tracks on the side table but the wiring scares me.....lol.

I do not know yet if I want to go with dc or DCC.

I just read a thread (can't find it again) and the advice there was to get some track down and get the scenery going. Don't ballast and then I can change as I go. I am all about change.

I do know that I want some hills/rocks on the side table and thought about hiding one of the return or main tracks in a tunnel, but I am not a big fan of tunnels, that is just space and time that you cannot see the trains....

I hope these rough guidelines help, I am in the process of relaying the main lines again and if I get a semi track plan hammered out I will pic and post.

Ron