Thank you for the input. I will certainly factor that into the design. Goal is to avoid toy train overhang. Also having a good number of smaller locomotives and lots of room to work with, the large articulated locos will have their own dedicated mainlines (2).
Plan to use the largest possible radius for those. That is the reason for flex track and hand made turnouts. Having decided to avoid sectional track, I am no longer to limited to those offered radii.
Inspired by Tom Miller and the Sundance Central Fine Scale gents, I look forward to the project. Received a lot of great ideas from their videos (yes, that is a shameless plug).
Again my primary focus is on the scenery, scenic details, structures and weathering. I am also going to be integrating scenic animations. It is the wonderful effects of the Vision Line, Legacy and MTH Premire locomotives that will only add to the "goings-on" on the layout.
Too bad that Lionel does not at least offer the 2/3 option on some of the Legacy offerings and on all of their Vision Line locos. Wouldn't imagine that that would ding those sticker prices too much, MTH does it.
That would be the best of everything. But that is ok, I can certainly live with a center rail as a trade off.
The grandkids certainly don't care. SO I am splitting the difference between what gets them excited and what I would I really want.
Life is about balance. No worries.
