4x8 layout

[MoPac]

Here is the 4x8 layout in which this design initially started off at. This design might still be the factor if I have the room to do so.

[MoPac]

Here's a better version without the extra small pieces and the curves are not as restrictive as before.

[MoPac]

I did find a happy medium.I did some surgery on the yard of my layout. The top portion will still be the receiving yard. The bottom part I transformed it into a classification yard with two ready tracks next to the main line. Which still cuts through the center of the yard. The last three tracks are for each industry. Yes, I kept the refueling/sanding tracks for the locomotives though I shorten them a little to hold two SD40-2's each. Also I decided whenever I purchase the turntable I'll buy the turntable extension. This will allow me to add more stalls. The top right long spur track is in question, it's about the length. I might reduce one of the 1022's /280mm tracks from this spur and use this as my programing/wheel cleaning/test track to the side. Instead of three of them there will only be two.

With this I am saving $25 on track alone! Plus my wife likes the newer one too. The only electrical switches I will be using is the three triples. The other left and right hand switches throughout the layout will be all manual throws. Yes, I still will have no leftover tracks on this layout.