Model Railway Forum

Help please,

I have a single line with a passing loop, I wish to have two sidings off this arrangement.
What would the correct layout be?
Should I have my single line go through the middle with the passing loop to the left and and the two sidings to the right off the single line, or should the two sidings be off the loop.
Or does it not matter - suit myself, I need to try to maximise the length of the sidings.

A/
Siding
Siding
Main line
Loop

Or

B/
Siding
Siding
Loop
Main line

I am just trying to make it as prototypical as possible.

How long is a piece of string?!

The layout of a station will depend upon the available land, and the purpose to which it is to be put. It may also depend upon roads and waterways crossing the line where bridges and level crossings might be required.

A station where trains pass (e.g. Arley, Levisham and Goathland) there will be a platform on both loop lines so that passengers can board and alight trains in both directions simultaneously, whereas trains do NOT pass (e.g. Highley or Oakworth) only one platform is provided.

It is usual, but not compulsory, to have the running in line straight but the running out line curved. This is because the arriving train is running more quickly than the one starting away.

Sidings should be accessible without the train having to shunt out on to the single line, beyond the Home signal. This is often achieved by having a 'head shunt, off one side of the loop with the sidings coming off that.

It is often a good idea to look at real stations, (Google Earth may be useful) and see how they are laid out.