Going way back in time for this one
>>10227547 (me)>>10228494I don't have a decent track modeling program so here's a freehand sketch of my layout since that original post.
I dropped the twice-around loop entirely, and used it to form a small engine yard. 2/3rds of the original O-36 loop became a balloon loop at first, for which I used a random combination of O-48 and small straights to try to make it easier for the engines to push and pull consists through.
Most recently, I sprang for a remote switch, another O-36 switch, and a bit of track to make the "inner" portion a complete loop.
I'm really happy with it. I didn't go in with a concrete plan and now I've worked my way up to be able to run two trains in the loops and a third on switching duty. The whole thing, with extra straight pieces, is around 6.5 feet X 11.5 feet.
