Planning a switching layout (Max size 12x2 feet)

[Yngve]

Hello all!

I'd like to start by introducing myself. My name is Yngve and Im 24 years old from Bergen, Norway. I have been lurking here for some time as its one of the most active message boards Ive come across, but now Im planning a layout so I figured it was time to register to ask for some assistance.

Over the years I have gathered a nice collection of trains, but Ive never had a layout. Now Im bored with running trains on the floor so I have decided its time to take the step and make a working layout. Ideally I would like to make a layout which would allow continous running with long passenger trains, but space restrictions does not allow that. So I figured a switching layout would be the second best choice. I have set the maximum size for the layout to 12x2 feet, but if a smaller trackplan allows me to go smaller it would be even better. The layout will be built in 2-3 sections depending on the size. Era is set to 1990 to today.

I have already decided on some of the industries I want on the layout. They are all based on real industries here in the Bergen area. The prototypes does not have railroad service, but in the modelling world everythings allowed.

Jaeger Automobil (car dealer)
This will be served by Laaeilprs autotransport cars. These cars are long, about one foot. The model has not yet been released, but it should be quite soon (<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://hobbytrade.dk/images/flyers/oktober_2010.jpg">http://hobbytrade.dk/images/flyers/oktober_2010.jpg</a><!-- m -->). I would like to have 2 or 3 tracks being able to hold a total of 6 of these cars.

Toro Plant
Toro is a company which makes soup/caserolles/cake-mix (only add water/milk/cream) and also finished sauces and ketchup. This will be served by Hbikks/His/G4 cars which are closed freight cars up 50 ft in length.

Hansa Bryggeri
This is a local brewery. This will be served by the same type of cars as the Toro plant.

With the size I have decided there is probably room for more industries. I have some open freight cars which can be used for pretty much anything which I would like to use (steel, concrete products, timber, scrap metal, etc...). I also have 8-10 container cars, but Im not sure if the layout is large enough to support a small containerterminal too. Perhaps if it was the main industry, but the ones I have mentioned above are "must have"'s for me.

I would also like to have a short track with a switching engine stored, perhaps with a small engine house.

Now my problem is where to start. I have found a few trackplans that I like, but Im having a hard time modifying them to my use.
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There is also the question of how to operate the layout. If I decide to use the full 12 feet there will be no room to run a train "off the layout". If I go a bit shorter I will have the option of making a sharp 90 degree turn into a small fiddle yard, and I will also be able to use it during the switching if the train gets too long.

Does anyone have any good suggestions for a layout based on my requirements? Are there any other trackplans out there which fits my requirements, or which I can modify?

All help is appriciated. Thank you in advance.

Yngve