Trying not to overwhelm the M&WV...

[West Virginia Midland Man]

with the Pickens & Webster Springs' standard gauge portion.

Basically, the P&WS is a narrow gauge branch of the West Virginia Midland. Not unlike the EBT though, the P&WS has some standard gauge, a holding facility for coal transfer from their narrow gauge hoppers. P&WS management is adamant that only their 44-tonner works the transfer facility, a small yard area and the transfer trestle. The P&WS' 44-tonner hauls empties from and loads to the M&WV at Bolair Junction in the operating scheme...however...

Because of the small size of the room (10 x 15) and track plan, the run to Bolair Jct. must be longer than I hoped. This will result in a twisting single track stretch that will be frankly pretty boring and take up a lot of space. Furthermore, it will run along the front edge of the left half of the layout.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to make such a situation enhance and not overwhelm the M&WV which is the focal point of the layout?

 

[UP2CSX]

Kind of hard to tell without seeing your track plan but there are lots of hills in West Virginia. Can you disguise some of the track with hills and cuts, maybe even a small tunnel?

 

[West Virginia Midland Man]

There will be a small stream methinks, allowing for a through girder. I am also going to bring the radius down to 15 on the P&WS to try to emphasize its position in the pecking order to so speak. Only a 44-tonner will be running on that section, so the smaller radius won't look out of place.