I've been trying to sort out what I'm going to do about a classification / staging yard and you guys have given me a few ideas
Just to be sure you understand - classification yards and staging yards are totally different things.
Classifications yards are part of a real railroad and they can be re-created in our model railroads. You can search the web for information on how they work.
Staging yards are used in model railroads to hold entire trains waiting to enter the "stage" - our layout. Usually they are void of scenery and often out of site.