TPBO

[Herc Driver]

Just maybe a better idea is to start "big" and work to "small"?

What I mean is start with google-earth, pick a city, and start looking for rail yards and lines...maybe something you see there might spark an idea and give you a starting place to work from. You want to model Chicago? LA? Houston? Newark? Miami? Boise? Seattle? Take a look at several cities and the ideas might jump out at you.

Another idea is to decide on the exact measurements of your layout. That will force you to think only "inside the box" and really see the area you have to work with. This is basically what I had to do with my shelf layout. Once I figured out the external layout dimensions, cut the wood, and laid it on the shelving units it now rests on, I was able to start the track planning with a clearer understanding of the dimensions (and limitations) I had to work with. Even then, I still ended up changing my track plan a bit as the layout progressed. I moved things around, changing what I thought was going to be the "final" plan three times before I ballasted the rails. And while you're at it, cut paper or use some boxes to mimic the buildings or building-ideas you want to add. You'll need room for that grain silo, or transfer building, or big industry. Maybe by "seeing" the buildings on the layout, that will force some track planning ideas to come to life.

Hope this helps!