While planning for the the "dream" layout (class 4 around the room at least 24x24), I have decided to do a shelf layout in my work room.
My concept of Operations:
Time period would be WWII to before 1960. However the nature of this harbor would tend to see older equipment.
A free lanced harbor port located on Lake Erie servicing a re-imagined Kelly's Island: 
I have reimagned Keeleys as a bigger island with a larger population and move varied industry.
The harbor, located north of Moorman Yard would receive, less than car load merchandise, other raw and finished goods fuel (petroleum products and coal) and perishable product. During the tourist season it would receive exotic goods like tropical fruits, tobacco and similar goods ( allows me to use West India Fruit and Steamship rolling stock). Mainly serviced out of PRR, NKP and B&O.
It would ship light manufacturing in car load lots, wine, lumber products and gravel/stone products.
Motive power would be limited to 0-4-0 and 0-6-0 PRR steam. Engine servicing other than water and coal would be off stage.
Rolling stock is limited to 40 foot with capability for 50 foot
The connection to the island would be via a car float and frieght service to the other islands in West Erie would be via small island hopping boats serviced by a transfer dock, 1 or 2 cars at a time onto 1 boat at a time with the packet boats being in the 30-40 foot range. Wine and grape products would come inbound to Kelleys from South Bass via these same boats and transfered to cars going south via car float.
Connection to the rest of the island and off stage industry would be stage left via the lowest track, however during play time this track would be used to support switching operations as required.
No passenger service, although a trolley could be added running from stage left to the transfer dock (might use a Bachman ON3 as static display with trackage embedded in the road)
Shelf depth is 2 feet and over all length is 19 feet in an "L":
Track would be Gargraves and RCS.
Minimum curve is 42' with 32' coming off the car float.
Maximum grade is 4.4% leading down to the transfer dock.
Other usage of the layout:
Test and tune rolling stock and couplers for use on the dream layout.
The car float would also be used as a programming track and a locomotive maintenance track.
SCARM file is attached for free use under a Creative Commons License
Thoughts?
Russ
