Since posting this thread, I have been thinking a little bit more about this question. Everytime I have operated my layout What stood out for me in the process was how often I switched from train to train or from train to switcher. Many times I leave the road engine at the head of the train and in what would be the same block, change to a switcher to pull off the caboose and shove it into the caboose track, then hook onto a cut of cars needing spotting at various industries around the main yard. I think the ease with which I can go from one loco to the next, not caring about turning a block on or off makes operating far more realistic to me. Having operated with DC for the first 14 years I had a layout, I understand how that system worked. Now that I have a couple engines with sound and am putting sound in others, i think sound is a feature which adds another whole dimension to opeating my layout and I want to further develope this aspect on my layot!
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/