Southern Pacific Switching Layout

[FCIN]

Do you mean something like this? http://www.amazon.com/Build-Switching-La...758&sr=1-7

Justin;
Lance's book would be a good place for you to start. It's really more a collection of the methods he uses in building a layout then what I'd call a blow-by-blow how to build a layout book, but it is full of good ideas and practices. The layout he builds in the book appears to be very simple at first glance and is actually almost identical to the plan that Stein has submitted, but it actually has a lot of prototypical operating potential.

His example layout is designed to fit one HCD, with a short clamp on extension, whereas you have two HCD's and could increase the length of the two industry tracks to allow for more car spot locations - just be sure that you leave enough open room clear of the first switch so you have space to work. Perhaps even make a clamp on extension that would curve off the main layout on the left side. You could build a mirror image of the plan and put a very narrow switching lead off the right side of your layout area instead of using a whole HCD there. Might help with the leaking room problem too. Before I found the prototype track arrangement that I'm using now, I actually tacked down a lengthened version of Lance's plan and operated it for a short time and found it very enjoyable.

Operating a switching layout like that at prototypical speeds, having to place and pull cars at specific locations; you may be very surprised at the length of time it takes to operate and the enjoyment you'd get from it. Not only that, but you can get a layout like that to a "semi-finished appearance" without it taking years. Myself, I've played around with numerous plans the past year and still find that the industrial spur plan that I have laid out is the most satisfying and fun to operate! Only problem is now that I can actually run a train on it, I'm not getting anything else done! Even have a couple of model railroaders here in town wanting to build something similar themselves, as they've had such a good time operating mine.

As several of the folks here have told you, a model railroad layout is never really finished. Get the track laid and wired (even temporarily) - operate it for a while and if you're satisfied then take your time with structures and scenery. As time goes on look at all the detail you could add to it!

Going with a simple plan, using few turnouts, rather than a plan that is filled with track and switches would be great practice for improving your skills toward that monster layout you might want to build in future years. Start out simple - and take your time!