Rail yard...newbie here

[Brakie]

But we all know this is a hobby of compromise to get the most of what we want out of it.

While that is true there is no reason to sacrifice needful things such as a engine house or industries. I would rather cut track and scenery then to cut operation(aka play value) of the layout.

Here's the rub..A layout must fill the builder's needs.I wouldn't give two whoops and a yell for a layout that doesn't fill my needs.