As a lapsed modeler (30+ years, since HS grad/military svce.) I have recently begun to peruse model railroad websites, including MRH as well as Walthers and Bing Maps. I am finding viewing prototype ROW and facilities to be very informative. It has provided many ideas for features I might include on my (distant future) layout. Particularly useful is the birds eye view feature which I find interesting to follow abandoned rails, orphaned bridge piers and other neglected facilities in addition to interesting industries and real small towns.

I'm curious.

Those who are in the process, or have gone through the process of designing a layout, what is the most frustrating part of planning a layout for you?

I'm not talking just about creating a track plan, though that can be frustrating, I'm talking about everything that goes into the planning process, from deciding what era, to what railroad, to Givens & Druthers, to figuring out where to put the layout.

What frustrates you, and why? Maybe frustrates is too strong of a word.

Here's my design for the layout that I'm planning to build. After hearing the input from my accidental "hot topic" on yard design I decided to eliminate the yard and put in a foundry (the big buildings on lower left). So what do you think? (Excuse the blurry picture I shot it and posted this on my android (also any spelling errors as my fingers cover half the keys while typing)). Thanks,