Good morning Gents!
Well, I have some good news, and some bad news.
First, the good news: Within the past couple weeks or so, I have been able to find and acquire several pieces for my "KC Lines: West Bottoms" theme that are all ready to go (i.e. DCC and sound already installed and most in factory paint). I have also been able to find/acquire needed track items. FURTHER, I am redesigning my track plan and it is beginning to appear that I have more than doubled the layout, yet still within the confines of the same small space I have to work with. (I only have 9'6" x 12'9" + 9'6" x 2' within the closet for staging.)
The bad news: It's in HO scale.
I know, I know. I'm a defector of the faith. No need to for any of you to step in and berate me for this choice: I was duly upbraided on the Yahoo S scale list when I announced this. In fact, those that I thought were virtual friends were a bit on the rude side, which surprised, and also disappointed, me.
I say all the above to let you know that this thread will very likely go silent now, as it just wouldn't be right to post updates to an HO layout attempt here in this excellent S scale forum made up of some great S scale guys.
S is indeed the perfect size. Just wish I had a 29 year collection from which to work with and more space! Too little time, now. Got to make time, thus HO.
I will definitely be dropping by and oogling all your models and layouts... so you will not be TOTALLY rid of me! 
