Pro tips welcome

[p14shooter]

So after trial and errors over the last number of months I think I have a 36x80 n scale layout 3/4 worked out. This is obviously not designed after anything. My sole purpose for it was to run track, have a small yard, and to be able to do some switching and just do some scenery. The industry types themselves are not really important to me, and am on the hunt for low profile ones that take up little foot print. So the pro tips I am looking for is anything that may be catastrophic. I will probably only use 40' cars as I did have some derailment issues with the engine I have. I think I will either put a farmland scene or hill (not mountain) in the center. Will try to have some raised track somewhere just for S&G. Gotta be some water somewhere and a tunnel. I don't think what I have would be able to have a town scene of any sort, but maybe that will just be my backdrop. The track on top will just be there for expansion later. I have been trying to figure out if I can run a track to a small second level just to run train, but in this current configuration, I do not see that, but if you have a thought, I would be pleased to hear it. Outside loop is 15"radius, inside ones are basically 9.75. I may call it the Crazy Train. You know who I am referring to.

 

[Rico]

With a little tweaking you could switch the inner while a train runs on the outer if that’s something you’d like?
First thing I thought of is a layout MR did with a backdrop running diagnally corner to corner, can’t remember what it was called.

 

[Selector]

I think you have done a good job. I am a sucker for double-slip switches, which are costly if purchased commercially, but I haven't had a layout without at least one. If you are interested, you can create a 'run-around' facility in that upper industrial track by placing a DS at the second switch from left. Similarly, at the bottom inner track, the diagonal that terminates at an industry: make the connecting turnout a DS and continue to the outer loop for a quick escape. This one is a bit redundant as you have the loop formed to get to that track, but maybe the one connecting at right doesn't want to go around the entire loop.

 

[p14shooter]

Never heard of DSS before. But that does not surprise me. Ill have to check it out

 

[RhB Michael]

They can save a lot of room if space is tight. However, they are usually only used in a terminal area and are not normally found on a mainline or
even a branch railroad.

 

[2Tracks]

They can save a lot of room if space is tight. However, they are usually only used in a terminal area and are not normally found on a mainline or
even a branch railroad.

If you get as far as wiring the frogs for polarity (HO,) an article in June 2025 Model Railroader Magazine, shows how to solve the issue of the frog polarity.......getting the correct polarity to the correct frog at the right time......I've got the hardware to do the frogs...I just haven't got there yet....

 

[2Tracks]

My tip would be, concentrate on the installation of the track. You are going to want your trains to run smoothly & reliably (I'm assuming.....) Do everything you can do, to make it reliable......
As an example, (For my mainline,) I used sweep sticks for both the curves and tangent track to eliminate horizontal kinks, (alignment of the track from side to side.) At the least, site down the track with your eyeball, especially at the switches, site through the straight side.......you might be amazed what the eye will see......