this is a 3x5 track plan I have been working on for a while. The idea is for both an interesting continuous running and have avai;able randomized operations as well
the colors: Blue: Main line, cyan: main line in tunnel, light blue: runaround track, grey: industries, purple: interchange, Yellow: Yard
Grades are a slightly steep 3%, but maximum train length is a road switcher engine (like an Alco RS-series or GE 4-axles) and 7 cars, so it should be easily doable. Main line is an impressive 1.54 scale miles. minimum radius is 9.75"
I have no idea if the OP is still around but I took a look and the track plan, and I have a few comments. First if this is 3’ by 5’ then that minimum radius is very tight. It will be hard to put anything but four axle switchers and 40’ boxcars on the layout. Also as the OP mentioned the grades are steep. Very power locos are needed, many of which can‘t fit the curves. For anyone looking, OP or otherwise, this is an okay layout but it will require some very specific equipment.
I presume that you are trying to use Kato or Atlas track? I don’t have a problem with your plan as such and it will fill your needs for running an operations. However I wonder if you should try to use some flex track for the long straight sections to make your track a little more free flowing perhaps with set track curves with a transition curve into the set track curves.
Even a slight slew of the straight will make your layout look bigger because the visual reference with the edge of the layout will be gone. It is something I wish I had done at the front of my own layout.
