PSU1980 posted:The hidden yards, that might be the way to go. I had just thought if it as storage but what your suggesting, if I understand you is to make is part of the layout - more action.
Actually, the reason to move the yard to the front underneath is so you have the entire back of the layout for the grades going down. This is crude, but shows what I mean. By using the back for the grades, all grades are below 3.5%. The problem is I had to shorten the yard too much and the turnout on the curve doesn't fit because they don't make an O81 turnout, but hopefully you get the idea.
