I really wanted to recreate a local landmark, a gravel crusher, and I wanted it to function in a loads-in empties-out scene.  My railroad space is tiny, point-to-point, and does not allow a long double-track design. So I headed over to the Micro Layouts site at carendt.com for creative small-space ideas.

The final design uses a sector plate, a section of track that pivots like a turntable  On the left is the gravel pit.  On the right is the gravel supply company unloading dock. 

Is it prototypical for a mixed consist train en route to a classification yard to pass customers that may be receiving some of those cars? Meaning would the railroad sort those cars for delivery in the yard first or would they know in advance that those cars need to be placed and just spot them where necessary? Here's why I ask:

Hi everyone,

I am looking at doing a valance over my shelf layout which is 26" wide, yet I was hoping to do a 12" "book shelf" lighted valance above. I feel that this would feel better aesthetically in the room it will be located in but was worried about fully lighting the 26" of layout. Has anyone done this? Is there a good way to reflect or project light out on to the uncovered space? I plan to use LED strip lighting on a dimmer. Below is a rough profile of what I hope to do.

_______

So I am laying some track and gathering materials and supplies. Currently the railroad occupies 2 shelves. 30 inches by 9 feet and 24 inches by 12 feet. Both of those are homasote over plywood and cookie cutter with about half the track laid. My modeling partner in crime came over yesterday and we built the benchwork for a third section that is 14 inches by 10 feet. (the width could expand a bit) That is totally his own project. I will lay the track but he is going to design the scenes and structures. Backdrop and scenery is all going to be him.