JOHN C,
I have to say that I've watched many of your videos, and admire your layout. I discovered your youtube channel when I was researching The Great Northern. Your input is appreciated, and if it wasn't for someone trying to jack my bank account I would have bought the track last week. I'm interested in what changes you would make because I am looking to build a "working" layout. I would like to be able to run three or four trains at a time.
My original thought with this design was to have the area inside the two loops represent a hub or transfer with one being for passengers, and the other freight. Maybe they are separated by a river, or canyon. I was thinking I could have a locomotive service area on the side with the passenger station so I have a reason to bring tank cars, freight etc. as well as remove empties back to the freight side. The freight side would be a classification yard with a rip track if I can fit it. To me the ovals represent the track in and out of the hub clockwise being eastbound. I would start one train on the outside oval and work in while the other would start on the inside and work out. Being a gearhead one of the things that draws me to steam is all the moving bits and pieces, so I like watching them run. If a train leaves a terminal (passenger or freight) the next time it arrives it will be turned around simulating being turned around for its' return trip. And when I can afford more locomotives I would like to change out engines depending on the direction of travel. None of this is set in stone, at least not until I buy the track, and I am very open to any suggestions you or anyone else may have to make this a better, more enjoyable layout.
Carl,
the reason I asked about the MTS derailing is because I tried to get it to and couldn't. I had it cranked up to 22in/sec which is 60 smph if my flu muddled brain did the conversions right.
I would like to add that I now have a GE 44 ton in GN livery. I better buy some track soon or I wont have any money left. 
I would also like to say that I'm having a little trouble grasping the scale. I say that because after seeing the video of the very beautiful Empire Builder posted by another forum member I had to assemble my little teeny tiny Empire Builder and with just three coaches and an observation car the entire train is eight feet long which means the station platform should be about six feet long, but since I have really long straights my trains should really be longer to give them a more scale appearance, which in turn would mean a longer platform. Or am I looking at it all wrong?
Any help, advice or encouragement is greatly appreciated.
