There's a bunch of guys down in that area w/ layouts. They run ops sessions most every weekend. Get in touch w/ them so you guys can go visit them.
http://www.rockyrail.org/index.php/home
http://www.rockyrail.org/index.php/home
Glad to hear you FINALLY started building your new layout. Keep at it, we want to see some trains running by 2 weeks.
Not fast at all, but sure am slow. LOL