I understand it takes constant attention to operate.....with conventional engines. An MTH PS2/PS3 engine with speed control or a Lionel engine with Odyssey could safely operate through the whole display without attention. This because such engines automatically (electronically) regulate their speed according to throttle setting rather than track grade or drawbar load. It would be literally set-it and forget-it. I think such motive power opens up more possibilities regarding who might use this layout.
Just my two cents worth