I know some folks have large to very large layouts and use the schedule of the prototype. For myself, and others, who do not have a prototype, and have a very small layout, please tell me about your operations setup.

My layout plan:

Update July 7, 2011 - Today the artist redefined the hill areas and adjusted the horizon accordingly.  She also started adding some of the trees on the mountains.  Here are a few pictures of her work.

This is a work in process and she said that she "paints a little here and a little there".  It's good to see some of the green!

I'll be in Portland, OR for a few days next week attending the National GTO Convention (my other hobby).  I would also like to visit a RR hobby shop or two.  I don't need anything special other than some Polly Scale paint and Floquil paint pens.  Could anyone recommend model railroad shops in Portland or the surrounding area that have a good selection of paint and other stuff?

Hey gang, Just curious to hear your thoughts on the various methods of uncoupling cars and how well they work on shelf style switching layouts where most of the action involves coupling/uncoupling cars.  How does magnetic uncoupling fair in this regard?  is manual uncoupling (like, with a skewer) preferred in these situations?  

It should be noted that the mainline will be utilized for sorting cars quite a bit. I don't know if I can get away with putting a magnet on the mainline.

thanks guys!