I guess an clarification is needed. My other layout(s) were accurate representations of towns along the Reading Lansdale Line (with compression between towns). But there wasn't alot for the trains to do except travel the line, as the town accuracy took precedence with real estate.
Had I designed it with more sidings, some crossovers and a wye etc and reduced the town, the trains would have had more to do. There could have been deliveries, switching etc. It also makes it more group orientated. But to be honest, my basement wasn't large enough or clear enough to really get the effect that I wanted. Hence, hopefully the new house will have the space/layout that will make operations possible.
Finally if you have a camera on board the train, it changes the way you relate to the scenery. Other North Penn Members has said you only need 3 to 6 inches of scenery on each side of the track - the rest is diorama.
