I have recently come to the conclusion that I am building layouts incorrectly, they were towns with railroads going through. After seeing Ray Pul's and others, I have realized it it better to do a railroad with scenery around it.
Fortunately, I photographed the tracks along the old Reading Lansdale Line and took photos from the train. Even though the area is much different, in some places, then the 60s, you can see where stuff was. Lots of trees along the way, plenty of industry and a few houses. My goal, after I have moved to a new house, is to create a layout that if you put a camera on the train, you would see what you would see on a real train.
It will be challenging, but isn't that the fun?