Liberty Industrial Spur

[FCIN]

(...) I never said I don't like switching layouts, I just said that all of my previous switching layouts were too big and had no direction.

Okay, so let me see if I understand... You still want a switching layout, but you want something small that you can get to finished look in a short amount of time? Am I close here? If so, then why not just go with one of these plans. Either your version of the Palmetto Spur:

Or this neat plan that Mike came up with for Larry; perhaps with a removable switching lead on the right side:Mike's plan presents some interesting switching challenges without resorting to a puzzle type plan. Either of these plans could fit on an 16 to 18 inch deep HCD or shelving available from a home products store.

Scenery wise, why worry so much about that? You stated in a previous posting that you thought that Alcanman's layout was one of the best layouts you've seen. Who says you can't do the same? We're not talking about that much scenery on a small layout and as far as structures, most, if not all, would be building flats or low relief structures. Starting with something like one of these plans would be a good learning experience.

As for direction, if your layout represents an industrial spur off a Class I road or even a small independent short line or STC operation - then what other direction do you need? The location for such a layout would fit most any where in the U.S. and you can have what ever industries you like on either plan. Would be entirely your call.

Finally, are we still talking about having the layout portable or will it remain at home? I'm with Larry and shortliner in so far as I don't think it would be a good idea to try and have a model railroad layout in a college dorm. I'd follow Larry's advice and just plan for a future layout, collect and work on the equipment you'd need as time and finances permitted and leave the layout at home.