Ideas for a future college layout

[FCIN]

That's another good idea, however I am not sure If I want to build another modern layout.

I completely agree with Larry (Brakie). The TimeWaster was designed to be a game/puzzle and nothing more and you'll tire of it very quickly. I suggest you read this before you decide to go with that: http://www.housatonicrr.com/timesaver.htm

The Skills Builder layout on Lance's site is a far better choice for many reasons as is his Palmetto Spur layout in his latest book http://www.lancemindheim.com/upcoming_books.htm. Looks and operates like a prototype industrial spur - uses fewer turnouts - and if I'm not mistaken, isn't most of your equipment from the modern era (1970's on)? Even today, there are plenty of NW-2's running around, so don't regard that as a transition era locomotive. Besides, the next time you go to a train show or visit the LHS, you might latch on to another locomotive that appeals to you.

All you'd need to get started would be an 18 inch HCD (with or without foam on it), three turnouts and a hand full of flex track and you'd be set to go. Would be easy to transport the HCD and its staging track and would easily fit under a bed or even stood on end in a closet or against the wall. Heck, if you can find it, you might build the whole thing out of 2 inch thick foam and really cut down on the weight.

Would save you a lot of expense to go with what you already have and build a simple yet prototypical looking and operating layout. That Skills Builder or the Palmetto Spur layout takes up little space and with a narrow staging/switching lead that could attached to it, you'd have a much more interesting and entertaining layout to keep you busy when you have the time available to work on it.