yeah that first idea didn't work at all for a layout lol. the curves were way to sharp to begin with and I guess that is what happens when you get impatient and have to do something.
I've got it drawn out now with a track planning tool
thinking of something like this with the era between 1916-1920.
Top left is a mountain type layout(imagined for now) where all the wood is cut and stuff and you make 2ish loops before pulling into the spur for unloading before pushing the cars back up the hill. for passenger and mainline freight they come in the top left, run around and exit to the right