Based on info in previous posts re operations and NMRA resources (all very good info, BTW) and responses, I'm getting the impression that you may be trying to do too much too soon. This is not meant as a criticism; I suffer from this syndrome myself.
It's incredibly difficult to design and build the "perfect" layout (if such a thing exists), especially if you haven't built one recently. "Operations" (in NMRA parlance) can be interesting for some folks, and stressful and tedious for others. Before going all-in on operations, I suggest attending an ops session in your area to see if that's your cup of tea. You might love it, or you might learn that you'd rather be a loop runner - although some rivet counters might disagree, IMO there's no shame in that.
The Black Diamond Railway series of DVDs might be worth watching - covers the entire process of building a high quality 3-rail layout from start to finish.
Good luck on the journey.
