The whole basis of the timesaver idea surrounded track lengths, linked to stocklengths.
Many moons ago, Model RAilroader ran an article on Timesaver developement, incorporating the timesaver plan into an oval.....[I think, the idea was to combine it into a trainset??]
various plans were drawn, using the various siding/loop options to get a ''through track''...
you could try this?
rather than having a timesaver plan as an ''add-on'' to an oval?
the 'loop' need not form the entire 'main line'...and the plan may need to be flexed somewhat.....especially if a platform is to be incorporated?
for the UK, a shunt signal may well control the entry/exit form the yard itself, to the main.
if angliscising the whole shebang, don't forget the catch points to protect the 'main line'????
For a really simple, and useful [as in, potentially developed] shuntng trackplan, ithe ''Inglenook sidings''idea is ideal.
simple and plain, it can be developed, either as perhaps, one half of a marshalling yard [say, the 'up' or 'down' side?]...or, even as an interchange yard between two companies,or a branch and mainline...or colliery and main....or whatever??
the 'shunting' can be as complicated or simple as one pleases....even run to a timetable [regarding arrivals and departures]....and the 'developement' can surround the actual 'link' to the main line...at a later date? This would involve the creation of headshunt, arrival and /or departure roads....and a portion of theactual mainline...which COULD form a non-hidden fiddle yard????
for the interchange idea..the development could be, part of the actual junction?
the appeal of such ideas is, unlike a switching puzzle, which essentially has the industries to 'set the scene'..........scenery can be really as simple as one's skills permit??
some ground work, the odd hut or shed......maybe a back road for brake vans at a later date....or if steam shunted, then simple servicing facilities....and later, most important...THE SIGNALBOX?
with the link to the main line being properly signalled??