![Image](http://railroadfan.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10046/PM_rough_plan_final.jpg)
The layout would be constructed in a 19 x 22' room, with a combination drywall / drop ceiling. 30" min radius on all but two cruves at the ends of the two peninsulas where that would be 28.5". Grades no more than 1.4% down to the staging yard under the main level. DCC by Digitrax and probably four power districts.
Operations would include six daily freights, two passenger trains, two locals, and two GTW trackage rights trains as needed between Pontiac and Port Huron. Leonard (crossing) would be the entry point for GTW trains.
Almont would have a small yard for the breaking up of trains for helper locomotives going west to E. Lansing and to change engines / crews out before heading to Port Huron (due to the distance from Wyoming Yard to PH, crews and engines were serviced here, rather than at Port Huron).
An industrial district and military depot would also be located in the vicinity of Almont. The plan shown is very basic and not all track on there is shown. Track will be moved and adjusted as needed, but this by far is the most likely plan I will follow. Staging yard will be under the main yard and I plan on having at least 7 tracks with stub staging / storage yard too. 8" separation for tracks under main layout. Foam board / plywood / and cork roadbed or truck topper tape roadbed (evaluating).
The switching of eras will be a challenge, but I think I can get buy with that for now. Steam will still run in the more modern times as passenger excursions. The military depot will be either a munitions facility or depot. That may have its own switcher and a small "bullpen" yard.
Signalling is not planned and I will run it a dark territory with the exception of the interlocker at Leonard Crossing. That is also the location of the GTW interchange and where GTW has access for trains from the PO&N line to Port Huron (auto and gravel trains).
Now that a rough final plan is in order, I will inventory all my older switches and figure out what I have to start with and how many more I will buy or try to build. Comments are more than welcome.
Dan