My new layout concept

[GGNInNScale]

We relocated to Colorado- I have a BASEMENT (after 31 years...).  Time to fire up AnyRail.  I am trying to integrate my old John Armstrong Granite Gorge and Northern layout into the new design.  I have a first cut- see below.  I am thinking about automating car traffic in the city area- using Veissman or Faller stuff.  I recall someone made a drive system using 3D printing, but i lost the link in the move...  That is for later on, I think.
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[Ed Kapuscinski]

Tell us more about it. What are your goals? What are you trying to replicate?

[GGNInNScale]

Hi
Goals- long runs, some yard activity, interesting scenery, several stations and a yard that can hold more than a few cars (my present situation).  My GGN layout was built as a "crossroads"- many different railroads at a confluence point in a valley.  I like northern and western railroad lines.  I am not trying to replicate any railroad.  I am not concerned with mixing traffic- for example, I have a TGV and a Shinkansen just for fun.  I like to see the trains run.  Formal "operations" is not a focus.

I enjoy adding computer controls to the layout- I used MEGAs and UNOs, Azatrax shields, servos and relays, and my own circuitry  to control the original layout.  A lot more computation power will have to be added with the new design.

Most of my engines have been converted to sound.  I am thinking about setting up a separate ESU decoder set reading signals off the power source, and feeding their outputs into a mixing board, and using large speakers and an amplifier to create the sound.

The other aspect is that my grandson really gets excited when the trains are running.  So, the bigger/faster trains might run predominantly on the outer loops.  The original layout is pretty tight for a steam engine or a 6 axle, so I plan to move the larger engines mostly to the new/outside areas as well.

[signalmaintainer]

The Reach Police are on their way . Unless that green area is an access pit?

[nkalanaga]

No, the green area looks like his original layout.  And I agree, if those squares are a foot, it looks like a long way to reach much of the track.

[freescopesdad]

Yes, on ModelRailroadForums.com he states one box = 1 foot, so I agree reach is going to be an issue.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Ok, if you like just watching your trains run, focus on that.

I'd lose one of the towns.

And unless you really enjoy classifying cars, the yard too.

If you DO enjoy classifying cars and simulating other yard operations, I'd still handle that yard differently.

Right now, it has the hallmarks of a yard that will just collect cars that end up getting dusty over time. Keep them boxed up and use the space for scenery.

[wm3798]

I disagree about the yard, @Ed Kapuscinski .  If he's a runner, there's nothing wrong with a little visible staging.  As a roundy-rounder myself, I get a little weary of using the 0-5-0 to change out trains from the main. 
I've added a couple of staging tracks off to the side, where I can at least pull a train in off the main before the "big hook" comes out to put them back in the drawer to make room for the next.

I agree about the reach problem on the upper section, especially if that long straight line at the top is against a wall.

Is the layout designed to be an island with access from all sides?  If so, reach is less of a problem.  It would be helpful to see the track plan of the original layout section so it's more apparent how it works into the new scheme.

Regarding the towns, it makes sense to have the major city over at the yard side.  Eliminating the second town frees up the the other peninsula for some negative space ... big scenery with just the main line, maybe a bridge or a river gorge.  Thumb through the photos of the region you want to represent, and find one that inspires you and see if you can work that into the track plan in the available space.

Lee