N Scale Track Plan Suggestions

[Cmonstar53]

Im trying to come up with track plans for my long term project im working on. So far every time i try to come up with something it doesn't klick with me.
Basically i have writer's block on ideas, so I thought others might have ideas or suggestions.

Stuff i know for sure;
Time Period: Modern.
Location: Eastern Texas (Southern USA Pine Belt area).
Track: Kato N Scale Unitrack
Type of Operations: A Mix of both Passenger and Freight.
Continuous Operation: Yes but only for a sense of travel and larger world.
Staging Yard at the top of the layout: it's a perfect place for a small work area with shelfs and such.
Access Hole in the closet: i know i will need to access the backside of the layout so it's there just incase.
Type of Engines: Mainly Four/Six Axle Diesels but down the road i want some Steam like the SP GS-4 or UP FEF-3

Wish:
i know it will most likely not be able to happen but i would like a Grade Separated line for a Shinkansen Train as it's my favorite plus Texas is working on a High-Speed line from Dallas to Houston (it would only be like 4 to 6 Cars Total) Plus next year im taking a trip to Japan and even if i haven't built the layout yet or the separate track im going to get a full 16 Car N700 Set and make a shelf display for it.

The measurements are 98% accurate, and the closet below the door is available to use if needed.

 

[DeaconKC]

Okay, plan for larger than normal curves, so your high-speed/Big-boys will look GOOD on your layout. [They will also run better on it]. I would also suggest an area for a large Y or a turntable so you can easily turn you planned locomotives. It doesn't even have to be in a high visibility spot, just an area that can be accessed.
Or maybe a turntable could fit at the end of your staging yard?

 

[Cmonstar53]

Okay, plan for larger than normal curves, so your high-speed/Big-boys will look GOOD on your layout. [They will also run better on it]. I would also suggest an area for a large Y or a turntable so you can easily turn you planned locomotives. It doesn't even have to be in a high visibility spot, just an area that can be accessed.
Or maybe a turntable could fit at the end of your staging yard?

I never thought about a Turntable at the end of the Staging Yard.

What radius would up suggest for the non High-Speed track and what radius for any "branch/spurs "?

 

[DeaconKC]

Okay, my layout is small and I have 11" curves as the minimum on my mainline and I limit my cars to 50' if at all possible. Clearances on it for scenery help enforce this. But 11" will probably be good for branches, but if you are planning on 80'+ cars you will probably not be satisfied with that. If you've got an industry that would feed "beercan" tank cars using short switchers, you could go even to 9" radius curves. 4-8-4s look better on 13" or larger radius curves, even though they will work on 11".

 

[Cmonstar53]

Okay, my layout is small and I have 11" curves as the minimum on my mainline and I limit my cars to 50' if at all possible. Clearances on it for scenery help enforce this. But 11" will probably be good for branches, but if you are planning on 80'+ cars you will probably not be satisfied with that. If you've got an industry that would feed "beercan" tank cars using short switchers, you could go even to 9" radius curves. 4-8-4s look better on 13" or larger radius curves, even though they will work on 11".

Noted, thanks. I will probably have 13" or more for my main then 11" to 9" for any branch/spurs