Stewart - right now I need time to "digest" this. I seem to have developed a mental block and might need some time to clarify things in my mind - thanx for providing me with a visual - please be patient.
I did try to place an 072 turnout in the lower left portion of the layout to the right of the #5 turnouts as you show in your diagram but it wouldn't fit. I could only place the 072 turnout to the left of the #5 turnouts and only by making the #5 turnouts go in the opposite direction.
Question: Are you saying that I need 4 more #5 turnouts or a double slip on the right loop?
Paul,
Take all the time you need. Getting the track plan right during the planning phase makes building the layout easier.
The thought process behind my track diagrams is to get the trains coming from the outer mainline on to the inner mainline, through the reverse loop, and off of the inner mainline as fast as possible. The four #5 turnouts on the left leg are a carry-over from the previous plan that was worked on a few months ago. Since the track configuration has changed, those turnouts are not required in their present position and would serve the layout better elsewhere. Since I re-designed the left leg without the turnouts, an O-72 turnout can be placed there.
For the right side of the layout, the track needs to be configured to allow a train running on the outside mainline to enter the inside mainline prior to the start of the reverse loop. A train entering the inside mainline after the start of the reverse loop will have to travel around the layout before it can enter the reverse loop. A minimum of two turnouts and a double slip, or four turnouts will be required to complete the crossover and reverse loop on the right leg.
I have discovered why I was able to fit more track on the layout than you. When I reviewed my design, I found that I didn't account for the O-81 curved track. Do you need a minimum of O-72 curved track to run locomotives or rolling stock?
