Portable Switching Layout-Opinions Please

Hello,

I’m new here, I’ve been into model railroading since I was a boy. Right now I’m into N scale for the small size. I started back before code 55 was available so I have lots of code 80 and don’t want to have to buy new tracks.

I’ve decided to redesign my portable N Scale switching layout. I’ve kept the things I like and fixed the problems I’ve had with the old ones in the attached photo. I designed it using sectional track but will likely use flex track in a few places. I just want opinions on how it would be to operate. I’m more into just switching the local industries rather than prototype operation.

If your feeling really brave you could design a layout with the things I want below.

Must haves

  1. Atlas code 80 track(I have tons of it and don’t want to buy a bunch of code 55)
  2. Layout is 46" inches long and 9" inches wide
  3. The layout splits in half at 23"(the large black line in the photo)
  4. Turntable and roundhouse area must be kept as is since the roundhouse has already been kitbashed and on my present layout.
  5. Track crossing the 23" divide needs to be straight(I did a couple at angles on my present layout and it sometimes has issues with allignment)
  6. The two separate modules can be operated independantly with the use of a cassette that would also act as a transfer table(I didn’t do this on my present layout but wish I had).

Things I would like in the design.

  1. A runaround
  2. The ability to use the turntable to sort cars by pushing and pulling them on and off using two engines on different tracks.
  3. a mainline run(a train can enter one side and go out the other without stopping, even though the mainline is the turntable as well is ok

Well, it is certainly a challenging task you have ahead of you.

Looking at the plan, I have noticed that the switching leads off the turntable may be a little short. Make sure that all the leads can hold 1 loco + 1 car minimum. You may also face some coupling issues, as a lot of track is not straight.

Carl Arendt runs a site on micro layout designs, which may offer you some further inspiration - you can look at it here