Attending Jeff Hanke's clinic on selectively compressing a prototype scene ... Here's the steps he recommends:

- Acquire prototype track plans and photos
- Define modeling space, dimensions and operational desires
- Collect prototype details - track names, old photos, old railroaders' knowledge/memories
- Determine the essence of the scene, the signature elements
- Determine haves and wants for the scene - haves are MUSTS
- Eliminate everything else
- Draw the plan - rework until essence is captured
- Build it and compare to model photos

Well...maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration but it's another unbelievably hot day in the Northeast US as we've passed 100 degrees here in Connecticut for the 2nd day.  Since the heat has me captive I figured it was time to post some content. 

I'm looking for advice and/or plans for a shelf/switching layout.  The fixed parameters are: HO, standard gauge, 9 feet by 18 inches, at least one connection to 'the outside world' one one end.  The rest is flexible, though I'm thinking the time period is somewhere between 1920 and 1960.  The idea is to have a layout that can be run standalone or be attached to an existing layout or another unit.  

Although I haven't been a member for very long I have read a great number of posts on MRH. It is quite clear to me this is a community of experienced and insightful modelers. I am especially intrigued by the way you subjectively analyze proposed track plans. You consistently point out “errors”, if I may use the term, the builder would not have discovered until after much effort had been put forth. May I put a little twist on the track plan idea and ask you to apply your experience and expertise to a blank slate?