Neophyte:
Good idea - add a second level and allocate it to the MTH PS-1 Daylight loco; perhaps with some DEPT 56 lighted porcelain buildings along the route. Designate the lower level to LionChief trains that respond to a handheld controller(s). You are wise to install trackage that goes beyond mere ovals - which quickly become monotonous and boring -- especially for kids because of their short attention span.
CAUTION: A crossing (either 90 or 45 or 22-1/2 degrees) on one level can be an "accident scene waiting to happen" if multiple trains are running on that track!
Other participants in this thread suggested sidings for storing trains awaiting their call to service. Sidings also provide real estate for placing trackside buildings and/or operating accessories on your layout but off the main line. They offer "gee whiz" fun for kids; such as these Lionel classics: log dump, log loader, sawmill, oil drum loader, culvert loader and unloader pair (my favorites), barrel ramp loader, operating switch tower, etc. MTH action accessories with a larger footprint may be added as your layout grows in size: MTH Firehouse, MTH Car Wash, MTH Gas Station, MTH Mel's Diner (my favorite), etc.
Some trackside accessories don't require a large "footprint" yet provide action, as: crossing gateman, highway crossing gates, block signal, semaphore signal, dwarf signals, etc. These can be wired to insulated track sections that "trigger" action when a train passes over them. Easy to do and fun to watch.
Carry on ...
Mike Mottler LCCA 12394
