Lew,
Thanks for your input and concerns. I will be considering your point. An early plan did have a different approach to the yard lead but the adding of a three inch or so grade to the branch line changed things to what you see now. The yard at one time was larger also due to the # of freight cars I had and want to be on the layout. The yard then look too big and somewhat barren in relationship to the rest of the plan. Even now, the yard still looks a little too large. It is a work in progress. I foresee that most of my trains will consist of 5-8 cars plus a caboose. More like locals going out and setting out cars and making pick-ups before returning to the yard. There may be some longer thru freight runs but not the norm. Other than an early E8 diesel, all the MEC motive power were smaller 4 wheel trucked diesels. I will not be running mu power as a rule. I enjoy operations. Smoke, sounds and long trains are primarily for the visitors to the layout.
