The big loop up to is good, lets you run your big engines and cars. Also, no switches means you can run older trains that may have flange or gear interference issues with some brands of switch. No ramps is good here, layout is too small for them IMHO. I have a 15X13 G shaped layout and am adding an upper level loop but it will also be a single loop, no ramps. They take up too much space before you even get to the challenges of ramps on corners and train length etc. Lots of things to deal with when using ramps. Personally on the bottom, I would alter it such that the inner small loop either disappears or is a part of a second full inner loop. Do that and maybe a siding or too can fit in that small loop area for your accessories. Also if you will run passenger trains, you might be able to insert a passenger track or two on the left side of the lower loop(s) with a station there. You could have a long enough straight for a 3-4 car passenger train and not block the main line loops. Also depending on your design and wishes, you might be able to get yourself a little more lower level space by running part of the outer lower level loop under the top level loop. You can do that as it if is an elevated line or cover the lower line for short distance as a fill to upper line. Lots of tricks you could consider.
|
|
