Years ago, I used the plans in an Atlas book called "Custom-Line Six HO Railroads You Can Build" to build a layout entitled "Southside Connecting" with very few changes. After years of running it as is, I've decided to add more track to it for additional fun.
I used SCARM to modify the plans, and I've highlighted the changes in yellow. I've also placed red numbers near each section to make it easier to understand any suggestions/comments made about it. SCARM doesn't have Uncoupling sections in its Atlas track library, so I used Rerailer sections instead. Please note I don't plan on having any Rerailer sections at all---only Uncoupling sections. The reason I've placed Uncoupling sections at #8 and #18 is because they allow a car to be dropped off so a switch engine can then use the turntable to get on the cars other side for placement in one of the sidings that are entered from a different side.
I see the long straight on the bottom right as a mainline. Someday when I have more room, I hope to build another layout with loops where the trains go after being built and placed on that mainline section. I'll remove the bumper then and connect it to the loops layout.
I don't have any long, scale length engines nor rolling stock, so there shouldn't be a problem navigating through the two 15"R curve tracks. I use Atlas nickel silver track and under-the -table remote switch machines exclusively.
What do you think?
If that pic is too tiny to read, you can click on this link to see a much bigger pic:
