Thank you for the thoughtful reply. Yep, I’m from the 586!
So the darker gray region is the “upper” portion of the layout. I generally run all command control but I do have conventional engines. Which loop I run them on is not a big deal. On my pop’s old layout we ran all conventional (trains dating from the 60’s!) so we knew how finicky grades were... we decided on no grades. I have an “upper level” piece that goes over the tunnels on the left hand side of the layout. It is a 4x5 piece that covers that 4x5 table. I am now aware I might not have made that clear as per the photo! The prexisting yard was removed and I will not be using my turntable this year... wanted more room for the city to expand.
I, too, like running trains. I’m not much for yards, freight exchanges, etc. I’m more about scenery! I would like to designate the left elevated area a coal mine, and have a couple of spurs there for some coal cars.
Cheers!
