ACTRR is being dismantled and re-constructed

[Fifer]

I'd suggest forming the layout's benchwork just a bit closer to the track. If those grid blocks are 1 foot square, you've got about a 3 foot reach in some places. It might make it easier on you if you reduced that reach especially if a car derails in one of the corners. But if those blocks are only 6 inches...forgetaboutit.

How would you add scenery to the area between the two yards? If you add anything over a two story building, that would make trying to uncouple cars in the yard a tough reach for such a precise Nscale movement...but if you combine both yards into one giant yard, you could bring the whole yard closer to the front edge of the benchwork (making it easier to reach and work with) plus gain space behind the yard area for either a spur to somewhere or added scenery possibilities. If I understand correctly, and judging by the RR's name, I'm guessing you're going with a high desert theme? So you could add some great mesas or mountains along the back behind the mega-yard where a single mainline track could be elevated high above the yard area. And as always...these are just my crazy ideas for your consideration.

One of these days I'm going to get an overnight around your city and stop by the shop to say hello. Will this new layout be located at your shop?

Herc , The distances are actually the same as the old layout and no problems with reach. The lake actually slides back to reach that corner and it already exists.
Herc , I do not think your ideas are crazy at all , but what you are calling a yard in the back is actually a passing siding on each main. They may be elevated a little and the plan was to just put some LARGE industry flats behind them ( like a large grain elevator and I was already working on a medium size chile packing plant flat).
The upper right corner will be very much like what is on the current layout , a mesa with a cut so only the tops of the cars are seen rounding the turn.
The lower left will be a mountain with an open back and the section that is off the paper will go into the wall and there will be a viewing tunnel on the outside of the room along with access.
The yard is purposely set back because on the current layout , I constantly had people talking and knocking stuff over with their elbows. It also keeps grandkids and kids in general from getting too close when they grab the front of they layout to look. The front edge will likely be a street and in some places river.
Herc , we would love to meet ya . the shop is our home and the layout is here and we welcome people here as long as we know you are coming.
Thanks for the most exellent feedback.
PS , yes 1 foot squares.
Thanks , Mike