After playing with the design for the track plan I was going to use, I’m not sure I would be happy with it. So it’s back to the drawing board. One Idea I want to try (in electrons first) is a different part of the actual line I intend on modeling at some point. However I have a feelimng my 12 foot length will mean it won’t fit. But I’ll try. That would be something I could reuse by moving the modules to a new larger space and adding on.
My other option is to forget doing an exact model for right now and just build something that fits the space and is fun to operate. And pretty much forget just connecting more bits on in the future - instead figure on starting ‘the big one’ from scratch, reusing what bits I can but not retaining the actual track layout.
Now, where are the awesome 2x12 track plans? (HO - so no turnback curves or continuous running)
That depends on what you think is an awesome 2x12 track plan. Cuyama sketched a (IMO) pretty good 2x10 H0 scale urban switching plan modified from a MR plan in this thread (which you took part in) http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/139678/1556994.aspx
A handful of other threads where small shelf layouts have been discussed fairly recently:
In that kind of space I’d be tempted to build, or adapt, an expanded variant on Chuck Youngkurth’s famous Gumstump & Snowshoe which was 1’ x 6’. Maybe your 12 foot length could relieve the biggest problem with the original that being the very steep grade to the upper level. As I recall this layout later became part of a bigger layout. This link has a trackplan and other information, as well as some other ideas for your consideration.
Now you have mee looking for that John Armstrong plan mentioned, the Pratt Street Manufacturers Ry. 2x12 in O converted to HO could have some possibilities.