Southern Pacific Switching Layout

[FCIN]

Like this?

Yep, that's it! Adds something to the overall plan and a bit more operation.

Rather than use the "north" section of the main line for car storage, I'd stage my switch job on that section of the main and then have the train head "south" as though it were coming from the yard, pull past the switch and back into the spur. When the work is done, pull back on to the main and shove the train back north to the yard.

You have 4 feet of clearance on either side of the "main" line switch, which will clear an engine and 5 - 50ft cars in HO with no problem. 4 or 5 cars would probably be "typical" for work to be done on the spur.

If for some reason you wanted to operate the layout as though the industrial spur were a separate operation, then the "north" section of main line would be your interchange track. Come out on to the interchange lead (it would no longer be a main track), block your inbound cars as needed and then go on to the spur and switch your industries. When your finished, take your outbound cars back to the interchange track.

I really like the way this is looking! Simple plan, yet very prototypical with a nice amount of operation