AAV:
The divider Idea is very cool indeed. But the layout will be continuing around the walls but I think that im gonna try this divider idea any way. I guess the whole view block thingy. That would really add that "going somewhere " feeling.
And that site is now bookmarked. Great looking stuff.
And off we go ! Thanks
J.W.
Chessie fan,
i would try to go to http://www.appalachianrailroadmodeling.com they have alot of info on coal ops as well as pics and good trackplan ideas for layouts of all sizes.
i would use a thin divider wall running diagonally across the layout to divide it into 2 sections. one section would be a town type setting where your yard is at, looks like you could slip some industries there behind the yard. the other section would be a mountain type setting where you could put your mines and maybe some logging or something like that. that would give you the feel that the train goes somewhere. mountain scape could be made off of each side of the divider wall using tunnel portals through the wall (of course). since you live in WV you might have a better idea of what type of other industries are there. i've been to Huntington but that was 20 yrs ago.
depending on how you do your benchwork you could support the thin divider wall in many ways.
now... if the long side of the layout that you don't have plans on goes up against a wall this probably wouldn't be a good idea.
Welp what I was thinking was the yard and storage tracks would be fiddle-staging. As far as industrys go a coal mine for sure. Grabbing a blank on anything else. Going for a WV style scenery. Mountians and a river.
Ok reworked everything started from scratch.
My yard should be good. thru east and west , cabi track, engine service and storage. Got a decent lead. Now go to it boys! And if ya got any sugestions for the remainder space lemmie havem!