Pat, I had only partially realized what you are saying, but now I agree with it all. I posted an initial idea influenced by ideas Dave and Jason were working on in other topics. John C brought up the mountain layout based on the Blackwater Canyon. Amazing that he picked that, when I had thoroughly researched the prototype almost 20 years ago and had a crude plan developing, before family took up more of my time.
John came up with a concept of bringing cars and engines off each end of the layout. Dave came up with an idea for a continuous run option. I didn't want trains crossing over each other decending the mountain and wanted to incorporate both John and Dave's concepts into a longer run, but still giving the point to point flavor.
The software gave us the opportunity to calculate grades and clearances, and I thought why not test my engines to see what they can pull uphill. Time on the route was a concern to, so John suggested I mock that up!
This is just one of the things that is great about OGR Forum. Collaboration. Back long ago, I actually built a layout where I made a clay and cardboard mockup of my layout. It was not to scale, but I followed it during construction and scenery. This was before I had ever used a DOS computer. I had absolutely no input from anyone except what I read in magazines.
Thank you Pat for your observation!
