Hmmmmm, you bring up an interesting point about the steamers and manual switches. But I ran the ones I have through them and they seemed to work. I may have to revisit this issue after completing trackwork and before too much scenery goes on to replace them with remote switches!
As for the yard, yes I considered an "under layout" staging area but wasn't sure about the inclines and such to get it done. Plus, I kinda like seeing the trains lined up in the yard and pulling one out onto the mainline to run. Also, I'm planning on a downtown area over the very back of the layout for buildings and scenery, so that will help. It will be over the spur for the big loop and extend out over the yard a little, just enough to fit buildings and a street in front of them.
