This is my finalized (as of now - ) plan. It is a folded dog bone with extras, on a 6x8 table top.
The main line was designed so my station can go in the lower left corner (inside the loop) and have traffic both east and west. The inner loop on the left is only 15" radius, but the only thing running on it is the small deWitt Clinton set. I have a station/toy train shop with a sign for historic rides to go with that. The end-to-end track is reversible for a handy dancer. The end in the front of the display will be in an engine shed and the other end will be behind scenery.
The Heritage Valley Railroad is set in December, 1880. A neat 4-4-0 with 3 passing cars will run the main line. I found out there were toy trains before the civil war, so the train shop will fit in. Plus the deWitt Clinton was 50 years earlier, so that will fit also.
I designed it on RailModeller software, and will use EZ Track grey/nickel silver. I currently have all the rolling stock, all the buildings, and most of the track. Next will be the foam for the base and the rest of the track. Planning on NCE PowerCab for the main line.