Southern Pacific Switching Layout

[Green_Elite_Cab]

I have been looking at Ed's version of Lance's Palmetto Spur, I really would like to build a layout like that with only 4 turnouts and all turnouts facing the same direction. I think a runaround is a waste of space most of the time.

Its only a waste of space if you don't need to get to the locomotive or cars to the other side of a train. Besides, I don't think it takes up to much space in the grand scheme of things, they aren't very wide and they don't interupt track work that much. Its up to you. If you build the way you say now, than no, you don't need a run around. Besides, its not like your train is really going anywhere. once you switch all your industries, you're going to just reset the cars anyway.