Island layouts are difficult to design well. This is especially true where the space is almost square. Real railroad scenes tend to be very long and narrow.
I have found that island layouts work much better if you have a main island with an extension of some kind.
In your case, I would recommend a 4x8 with the back 4ft end placed up against the wall.
Then a 1ft x 8ft shelf or extension that runs parallel to the 8ft side of the 4x8. This shelf, because of its limited depth, can be placed against the wall, too. Leave a 24-30" aisle between the 4x8 and the 1x8 shelf.
At the back, against the wall, put in an 18" deep shelf across the end of the aisle to link the 2 sections. The result is a U shape, with one leg 4ft wide for continuous running, and the other much narrower leg has industries or a small yard.
Depending on space available, the 4x8 can be made into a 5x8 (or any reasonable length), and the width of the 1x8 shelf could be increased easily to 2x8. The important thing is to leave a 24" (30" preferred) aisle on both 8ft sides of the 4x8 or 5x8.
Tonight, I'll draw a sketch of what I am saying.
Operationally, the 4x8 with extension offers a lot better options than a single 7x8. The 4x8 contains a loop for continuous running. With a small yard or terminal on both the 4x8 and the 1x8, you also have the option for point to point operations, or a branch line run, or staging.
My final suggestion is to ditch the True Track. You can actually separate the True Track from the roadbed and use it as Snap Track. The combinations and geometry of the True Track are very limited, and it forces parallel tracks and passing tracks to be awkward in use and spacing.
Flexible track with Custom-Line and/or Snap turnouts offers a lot more flexibility in track planning, but is a little bit more difficult to lay for bullet-proof operation. Snap Track is not as limited as True Track in possible combinations, and with Custom-Line and/or Snap turnouts, offers a reasonable middle ground. If you are willing to substitute flex track for the straight Snap Track and small fitter pieces, and cut back the ends of your turnouts when it will make your track plan better, you will be able to fit a much better plan in your limited space.
just my thoughts, your choices
I have found that island layouts work much better if you have a main island with an extension of some kind.
In your case, I would recommend a 4x8 with the back 4ft end placed up against the wall.
Then a 1ft x 8ft shelf or extension that runs parallel to the 8ft side of the 4x8. This shelf, because of its limited depth, can be placed against the wall, too. Leave a 24-30" aisle between the 4x8 and the 1x8 shelf.
At the back, against the wall, put in an 18" deep shelf across the end of the aisle to link the 2 sections. The result is a U shape, with one leg 4ft wide for continuous running, and the other much narrower leg has industries or a small yard.
Depending on space available, the 4x8 can be made into a 5x8 (or any reasonable length), and the width of the 1x8 shelf could be increased easily to 2x8. The important thing is to leave a 24" (30" preferred) aisle on both 8ft sides of the 4x8 or 5x8.
Tonight, I'll draw a sketch of what I am saying.
Operationally, the 4x8 with extension offers a lot better options than a single 7x8. The 4x8 contains a loop for continuous running. With a small yard or terminal on both the 4x8 and the 1x8, you also have the option for point to point operations, or a branch line run, or staging.
My final suggestion is to ditch the True Track. You can actually separate the True Track from the roadbed and use it as Snap Track. The combinations and geometry of the True Track are very limited, and it forces parallel tracks and passing tracks to be awkward in use and spacing.
Flexible track with Custom-Line and/or Snap turnouts offers a lot more flexibility in track planning, but is a little bit more difficult to lay for bullet-proof operation. Snap Track is not as limited as True Track in possible combinations, and with Custom-Line and/or Snap turnouts, offers a reasonable middle ground. If you are willing to substitute flex track for the straight Snap Track and small fitter pieces, and cut back the ends of your turnouts when it will make your track plan better, you will be able to fit a much better plan in your limited space.
just my thoughts, your choices