Ideas for a future college layout

[Justinmiller171]

Since my current layout is finally being built, I want to resume discussion of layout ideas for when I move out.

Since I actually started construction of a layout I now know alot more about what I like and don't like.

-I am now open to both N and HO scale
-I am now okay with building a sectional layout
-I like smaller layouts
-I am interested in purely realistic operation, no switching puzzles

I have also narrowed down ideas for themes

I want either:
-Milwaukee Road transition-era or 60's in the Midwest
-Southern Pacifc/Western Pacific transition-era in the California bay-area

At most the layout can be a sectional 1x8, however a 1x6 or less would be better.

I have been really inspired by this layout:http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/t/195425.aspx

At this point I am mainly looking for track-plan ideas, I know people like Stein and Shortliner have shown some really good designs for small layouts that I previously shrugged off because I didn't really appreciate how good small layouts can be,
So I am now open to all ideas.