I have been working on this small (64"x18") switching layout since July. I am moving slowly as everything seems new to me and it is taking time. My other two blog posts show the beginning of the project and some first attempts at things.

This link is to my first post that shows building the frame and adding the foam base.

My Small Switching Layout http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/9533

The second link is my first attempt with ballasting. I received some very helpful suggestions and have been working on it and building scenery for the west (left) end of the layout.

Switching Layout progress http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/10248

I started by placing structures on the layout to see how things might fit and look. This is the west end. i was thinking of hiding the ends of some of the tracks with a tunnel (or two).  

On the east end I was toying with another tunnel, but decided to make that an industrial area for the switching operations. the following photos show that process. 

I stayed with the idea of tunnels on the west end and then added a cut to hide some more track ends.

After trying to add ballast the comments I received were very helpful. I spent quite a bit of time with an X-acto digging the too large ballast out. I was lucky that I had only done about 18" on two tracks. I started to reballast and work on the mountain and cut scenery. 

I also repainted the green hills and the sky on the backdrop. 

The photo below shows that I did not carve my foam enough in the left tunnel as it shows in the opening. Also I plan to paint the green in the end of that tunnel black. I had not noticed those problems until I took this picture.

This shows three box cars that I tried my first weathering on. I used Flowquil paints. I am thinkng that my next attempt will be with either acrylics or chalks.