Beyond their use here as solution examples, most of the below track plans happen to also be good potential candidates as your own layout:

Although they feature HO track plans of every caliber, the new millennium railroad modeling press snubs O-scale 3rail track plans, even if they are identical to HO plans in all respects [EXAMPLE] except for the track choice. This is ironic, since modern O-scale 3rail trains and structures are no longer cheap toys, and in many cases exhibit higher detail than HO, and certainly more than (the inherently lower-detail) N equivalents. Regardless, published 2-rail O-scale, certainly S-scale, HO-scale, and to a limited extent N-scale Track Plans are excellent resources to examine for solutions to your own 3rail track planning dilemmas.

   + = Example shown in HO or N scale

Exhibits of common Track Schematic Styles

+ Point-to-Point Shelf Layout (*.pdf)
+ Folded Island Layout (*.pdf)
+ Open Folded Shelf Layout (*.pdf) - {Folded, but on a V-shaped bench}
+ Point-to-Junction Layout (*.pdf)
+ Split-level Loop-to-Loop (*.pdf) - {a "Dogbone" is a double track variant}
   Out-and-Back Layout (*.pdf)
+ Twice Around (*.pdf)
+ Spiraled Duck-Under (*.pdf)
+ Swivel-Chair track plans (*.pdf) - {lower height bagel-shaped, operated while seated}


Creative use of Topography

  "Creative Toy Train Track Plans" (*.pdf book) = page 9 demonstrates a shoofly around a bridge under reconstruction
  "Small and Midsize Track Plans for O-Gauge Trains" (*.pdf book) = page 54 demonstrates justifiable short tunnels (and sublevel staging)
+ Rolling Landscape (*.pdf) - {scene separation using grade}
+ Spurs entering buildings (*.pdf)
+ Elevating the right-of-way (*.pdf)
   Trolley Elevating Ramp (*.pdf)
   [Transition to street] (*.pdf)
+ Switchback (*.pdf)
+ Generous Aisleways (*.pdf) - {scene separation using distance}
+ Infinite Canadian Prairie Landscape (*.pdf) - {scene separation using a skyboard}
+ Interchange Crossing Scene (*.pdf)
+ Depot Crossing Scene (*.pdf)
+ Totally Surrounded Station (*.pdf)
   Trolley Stations (*.pdf)
+ Staging exiting building (*.pdf)
+ Come-and-Go Layout Design (*.pdf)
+ From hidden staging to visible yard (*.pdf)


Trackwork Sleight of Hand

+ Subterranean Layovers (*.pdf)
+ Triple Staging (*.pdf)
+ Switchback Staging (*.pdf)
+ Vertical Switch (*.pdf)
+ Car Cassettes (*.pdf)
+ Car Float (*.pdf)
+ Sector Table (*.pdf)
   [The J Turn] (*.pdf) - {utilizes snap switches mid-turn}


Unconventional Benchwork Solutions

+"Shelf Layouts for Model Railroads" (*.pdf book) = page 65 demonstrates a downtown approach built upon a low height shelf
+ Movable Layout (*.pdf) - {dimensions allow benchwork to pass through house doors and hallways}
+ Aluminum Benchwork (*.pdf)
+ Angled Benchwork (*.pdf)
+ Bashing a 4x8 (*.pdf)
+ Enclosed Access Aisle (*.pdf)
   [Tilted Benchwork] (*.pdf)
+ Mirror lengthens the yard (*.pdf) = [Caution: using mirrors without breaking the illusion is a tricky proposition]
+ Over Bed (*.pdf)
   Switching Layout built on a Helix (*.pdf)
+ Under Bed (*.pdf) = [Caution: any structures must be durable, and either short or removable]
+ Double Deck (*.pdf)