Chuck
Thanks for the comment. A major objective of the track plan was to make the layout challenging to have lots to things to do and operate. My brother and I got bored with our oval and figure 8 Christmas layout in short order. That is the reason for a TT, 5 train operation, 31 track switches, Wye and lots of operating accessories. This layout was on the living room floor for only 2 months for 30 years and trains were ignored except for a train show or two. Limited use and attention are some of the reasons the layout has lasted 44 years.
Charlie