Beginning to work on a new N scale switching layout

[txronharris]

Been away for a while, but decided to jump back into things. My original goal of an 8'x2' switching layout needs to be replaced by something smaller, so since I'm fond of how they do things across the pond, I found this layout called New Halston by Chris Gilbert that gives me the look of what I'm after:

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This is an HO version of what I'm generally going to shoot for in N scale. It's 5'x18" so I probably cant get too much less in length, but was thinking I could go maybe 24" depth to allow for some more scenery and possibly adding another staging track behind the trees on the upper right. Also think lengthening the siding in the right middle at the front would make room for a lumber yard/farm supply which would add to some operations. 

Questions for those of you much more talented than I at this are: Do you think I'm good at maybe 4 1/2" long if my goal is to have the room for one car and a loco (GP40 or similar) to move back and forth or should I stay at 5'? Adding an additional staging track behind the trees would give me capacity and obviously add to operations but do you have suggestions for ways to increase capacity past two tracks in staging to possibly a third? I'm still only going to need about 12 covered hoppers, four centerbeams or flatcars, and maybe six boxcars so that'll thin out my extensive collection substantially (expect some great deals in the trading post soon).   
 
I'll have two industries with the grain elevator capacity being three cars and the lumber/farm supply with capacity of two cars (centerbeams and boxcars), which will be served by the local that comes down from behind scenery block. I'll have a second locomotive parked on the grain elevator lead that pulls the cars from the industries and local, then pull the local engine back up past the crossover for the second loco to put loads/empties back on the main. Local then takes cars back to "yard" behind view block. Thinking Atlas code 55 for track because I don't think I'm capable of building code 40 turnouts or crossovers. Any other suggestions before I roll up my sleeves and get to work?

[jpec]

Keep it at 5' if you can.  Always good to have a little more lead than you need...

Jeff

[GimpLizard]

I thought that looked familiar. From the late Carl Arendt's Micro Layouts scrapbook #94: http://archive.carendt.com/scrapbook/page94/index.html

(Page down. It's the second layout featured.)

[jmarley76]

Keep it at 5' if you can.  Always good to have a little more lead than you need...

Agreed, additional space is always a good thing. In my experience, you'll wish you had that extra length sooner rather than later.

[Hamaker]

I too have started a switching layout based on the same layout shown in the video.  I'm keeping at four foot long.

[jmarley76]

If you are only switching one or two cars at a time, then you don't need much track to facilitate that. Once you start pulling stings of 4-7 cars, you need more of a run to make that happen. If it must be 4', then adding a removable lead might be an option. [member]davefoxx[/member added a great drop down staging yard...