Southern Pacific Switching Layout

[FCIN]

Justin;

Here's an example of what I was talking about using your current space:     Even though it looks very simple as far as the track plan is concerned - it's quite prototypical and has some interesting industries on it that support a wide selection of equipment. Industrial spurs like this are found all over the country. It only requires 4 turnouts and a few feet of flex track. As noted, the "main line" switch can be non-operating, if you have a messed up turnout laying around that you don't want to toss in the dumpster.

I'd have a "typical" switch job come on to the spur with no more than about 4 cars at a time and even without any "time-killing" injected (waiting to build your air, flagging crossings, etc.) it would probably take a good 45 minutes to an hour to operate a session. The narrow shelf on the right side (where you are having flood conditions) gives you a nice staging area and a little main line running to the industrial spur.

Wouldn't take long at all to at least lay the track and test it out. Russ does have a good idea about building a portable Timesaver to take with you to college. Even though the Timesaver is a game, it would be a good thing to play with to ease the tension and test out rolling stock, etc.

Just my 2 1/2 cents worth.