I enjoy the idea of switching. Have always wanted a layout that had BOTH continuous running and switching whether I was doing O, N, or HO. That way, I could run either method depending on what mood suited me at the time or run both methods simultaneously with me concentrating on the switching while the mainline runs in the background.
Many of the plans I drew up had Inglenook switching puzzles integrated into the loop. Sometimes I had the sidings meet back with the main line on the other end (the length of the sidings would still be enforced by temporary track bumpers placed on the track) or had an additional siding on the Inglenook that served as storage filler with freight cars that weren't part of the game.
One of the inaccurate knocks I always hear about us O gauge folks is that we only want to run loops and that we haven't "advanced" to next level model railroading like the N and HO part of the hobby.
Whenever I do get that round the room shelf layout (hopefully 12x12 at a minimum) one side will definitely be a railroad yard, layout & design TBD.
