Possible 4x8 Over/Under

[nscaler7]

I am posting 3 pics of a 4x8 layout. I am using SCARM software. This layout gives me 2 long parallel mainlines to run freight/passenger trains. It also gives me an elevated track that can service some small rural industries. The upper track is isolated from the 2 lower parallel mainlines. I didn't want to bother with the up/down slope to tie the tracks together.....this is a decision that I made on purpose.....I want to be able to run the lower trains while operating the upper train without any worry of "blocking the main", etc....

 

[Mixed Freight]

I would tie the upper loop into a lower loop with a grade. That would give a more realistic reason to do some switching on the upper loop. Bring a fresh cut of cars from a lower loop freight train to the upper loop, switch out your industries, then return to the lower loop with the old cars. Swap them out with another set from your over-the-road freight train, and you're ready to go again. You could even work in a little passenger service to shuttle a few passengers from a passenger station on the lower level to an smaller rural country station on the upper, and vice-versa.

I think this approach would lend a little more realistic purpose to your railroad. Otherwise, you're just running in mindless circles for the most part.

Just my opinion of course, others may vary.

 

[Marlin39]

Just my observations......

What you've designed is for running trains in circles, 3 of them. It sounds like this is what you want to do and there's nothing wrong with that.

If this is N scale you can place a couple of industries on top, but you're still running loops. If this is HO you don't have enough room with the water feature. It will cramped.

...but this is your project so build what makes you happy. Personally, if this is HO I would have a loop with a branch line and have a scene divider or hidden track for staging.

 

[nscaler7]

I would tie the upper loop into a lower loop with a grade. That would give a more realistic reason to do some switching on the upper loop. Bring a fresh cut of cars from a lower loop freight train to the upper loop, switch out your industries, then return to the lower loop with the old cars. Swap them out with another set from your over-the-road freight train, and you're ready to go again. You could even work in a little passenger service to shuttle a few passengers from a passenger station on the lower level to an smaller rural country station on the upper, and vice-versa.

I think this approach would lend a little more realistic purpose to your railroad. Otherwise, you're just running in mindless circles for the most part.

Just my opinion of course, others may vary.

I appreciate your taking the time to post.....I understand your point.....I have moved forward. I have inner track and outer mainline tracks on the same level....at least for now... I like elevation but, I ask myself......"why?".....I want to run trains, make trees, do some landscaping, and model a few rural industries.....not sure I need to go up and over with my tracks....I guess we will see. For now, I am going to run trains on this layout.
There is plenty of room for some rural industries which are not shown on the track plan....