Layout Advice Needed!

[DMU-Fan]

I need some advice, possibly some design assistance (if I abandon the plan I have in mind), and I have some questions about peoples experience with certain pieces of Kato Unitrack. I built a 4’ x 8’ table, using the two sheets of plywood construction method. I figured any elevations I had I would use the Woodland Scenics incline and risers for. I have already purchased the V11, V12, V15, and V16 Unitrack sets. I’m interested in modeling modern day operations, mostly train watching rather than switching, and mostly passenger rather than freight. I would love point to point, with an option for continuous running, but I realize thats way too much to ask for in a 4 x 8 space! I stumbled across this design, and modified it to use double track all the way around, and left out some of the switching:
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(Sorry, I don’t have a revised drawing showing what I modified, but I do have this photo showing some rough progress):
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I have two main concerns with this plan. The first is what do I do with the straight track down the back. In the original plan, it’s hidden. I can do that, I’m assuming I’ll get a piece of thin plywood and put it under the elevated track near the station, covering up that section, and put some landscaping over it. If I do that, I’ll need to do some tunnel entrances (which is why the curve into and out of that section has two small pieces of straight track attached to it, I could put the tunnel entrances there). I’m concerned there’s not enough room to really put in convincing tunnel portals so near the other track. I’m also concerned about the grade necessary to get enough clearance. I was going to order the 3% grade inclines. Too steep? I’m planning to add some switches at the front (the section with the four bridges) as they did in the original to keep the small two track yard, just don’t have the switches yet (as I wasn’t sure I’m entirely committed to this layout). This layout reminds me of the north Seattle region, where the Sounder is running up the BNSF towards Canada. As it leaves Seattle, it goes into a tunnel, and then a few miles down the road crosses a set of bridges over a harbor.

I am thinking of abandoning this plan, but I’m struggling with something to replace it with. I love the look of multiple tracks running thru a city (think the combined SAN Diego Trolley / Amtrak/COASTER 4 track line running from downtown SAN Diego to Old Town). Or the multiple times tracks cross over, under, and at grade going into one of the multiple stations in downtown Chicago. Or even the sunken BNSF tracks thru downtown Seattle, or the elevated mainline running thru downtown Spokane. I’d like something similar to this layout, using as much of the existing double track I already have (I’m not in love with the concrete viaduct look, I could take it or leave it, so I can just use the track from it) and using something resembling a twice around to get additional main line distance. I think the thing that keeps me from moving forward is that I really wish I could find a way to have a loop or folded loop for freight to run around on, and then some sections that shoot off with passenger stations that would resemble point to point. In my ideal world, I would also have a single lead going to the edge of the layout so I could attach a future staging section. If someone had any ideas that captured some of these looks, I’m all eyes! I had something like this in mind, but I’m just not sure how to get it to go together:
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Lastly, I was interested in purchasing some of the single crossover pieces Kato has (20-230 and 20-231), but as these are #4 switches, and as I’m running Superliners, Autoracks, 53’ well cars, and Athearn Bombardier coaches (not to mention AC4400 and SD90MAC locomotives!) I’m not sure how these big pieces of equipment would handle those crossovers. Does anyone have any experience using these track pieces?

Sorry for the rambling thoughts and thank you for any advice you have!

[mmagliaro]

You are going to get a lot of varied suggestions for a question like this, so be prepared!  Ha ha.
There is so much to consider that I'll just go with some "broad strokes" that jumped out at me.

One thing is to TURN the whole plan on an angle so that all the straight sections don't go parallel to the edges of the table.  It makes a big difference to how "exciting" it is to watch.  Trains going parallel to the table get boring faster.  You will have to alter the plan, I'm sure, to accomodate this, but it will be well worth it.

The 3% grade is only an issue depending on the train length you plan to run.  If you are just going to run 3-4 car passenger trains (which on a layout this size makes sense), you can probably get away with 3%.  I would suggest you set up a test grade with a piece of track at 3%, and try running what you envision to be a "typical" train on it.  If it were a steam-era layout, I'd say "no way", but with modern era equipment and short trains, it will probably work.

I totally get you wanting this to be a "runner" rather than an operations plan.  But the big question I have to ask is,
"How married to the 4x8 shape are you at this point?"  Is it too late to change that?
A 4x8 is very inflexible with regard to room placement and easy reach to all areas of the layout, both when running and during construction.   Some sort of L or U shape, or a non-regular benchwork like a "dogbone" with turn-arounds at the ends is easier to access and more interesting to look at.  You can get multiple trains running, continuous run, and some point-to-point into a lot of plans.  Don't shackle yourself to a 4x8 unless there's a good reason for it.

[DMU-Fan]

Thank you for your thoughts! I am married to the 4x8 for now, as I already have a table built, the layout needs to be able to move (so it’s on wheels) (I’m sharing the garage with other things!).

As far as train length, yeah, I had intended a single engine and 3-4 commuter cars, and for the Amtrak trains, perhaps a single engine and 4-5 Superliners, or 2 engines and 8-9 cars. For the freight trains, it will be at least two engines, and about 15 wells, or about 7-10 autoracks. I do have a single Talgo Amtrak train I want to run, which will be 10 cars long, but they are only 40-50’ long per car in real life, so the overall train is like 4-5 Superliners.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

This may seem like a crazy suggestion but... What about using the space to build and set up TTRAK modules?

I'd suggest using the longer "doubles", but they'll give you the ability to build a bunch of stuff and string it together however you feel.

Want to build a big commuter station? Do a set of modules with it. Get bored? Use it on the back to complete the run and do a river scene. Bored with that? Box it up and do some farmland.

The one thing I'd suggest though: none of those plans are going to really let you capture realistic modern scenes.

Wanting to build something that just visually interesting and wanting to build something that looks realistic aren't mutually exclusive, but doing them both can be a challenge.

[OldEastRR]

Four-track mainlines on a 4x8 --- may look good in drawings and as track lines on paper but is awfully crowded both for looks and operation. Then add in lots of buildings and terrain  -- don't forget your hands have to get among that 1:160 stuff sometimes. 

[dem34]

Echoing others, if you are fine with rigidity and just want to watch trains run, make a T-Track table. Bored of Scenery? Want to try something new? Have a piece of foreign stock that doesn't look at home in your usual stomping grounds? Just swap a couple modules.

But if you want something more custom, 4x8s and 2x4s are fairly poor beyond ease of construction. Since you either have a ton of dead space or a spaghetti bowl and it can be hard to strike a balance with the limited dimensions.
If it helps here is a first draft of a railfaning focused layout with planned routing automation for the House I'm moving into. Fits within a 7'x9' space. Long sweeping curves, min radius of 15" max grade %2 going into staging near the two no-lixes.