East West Yard?

[fastlane]

Need help with East -West yard. I have an area 5' x 12' for yard. I would like to run an East and West mainlines through center with yard on each side. Entrance and Exits at each end. This area is open on both sides. Is this a good/ bad idea? Any ideas where to get information?

 

[60103]

John Armstrong's Track Planning for realistic operation has just what you asked about on P 22 with variations. Only negatives: 5' is a bit of a stretch, but you have open space both sides. You may not be able to fill the whole space with yard, as (in HO) a turnout takes aboy a foot and each yard track needs one at each end. The trianglar bits at the end can be used for other sidings - caboose track, loco serviceing, RIP track.