Layout Design Question

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I am in the early stages of designing my next layout - my dream layout. I am currently looking at a double track main line - 350+ feet per track, and I plan on running it as a full CTC line - either track, either direction. My question is, in real feet, how far apart should I place my crossovers? I’ve been thinking 30 to 40 feet apart, but I haven’t found anything that gives a rule of thumb. I expect to run trains of no more than 30 cars, usually less. I welcome any thoughts or suggestions.

Tom

2

My gut says 2 to 3 train lengths, or double what you are thinking, but I don’t know why I think that. I’ll look around…

3

I’d take a look at what other tracks you’re interacting with along the main. If you have branch lines, yards, engine service facilities, etc., then they should dictate where your crossovers will be.