Background: I have the bachmann diesel digital commander starter set and I am starting to have an idea of what i would like to see in my layout. I want to be able to run two trains. One with a small freight load and another with a small 3 car passenger load (i.e. mail car, sleeper car, standard passenger). I want the feeling to be of the burnt orange of west with some slight "summer" grass and some decent strata rock formations.

After looking at what I could find online, I like the look of this layout:

source: http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/bach_track.php

I currently have a 4x8 table top built with a foam board top. The only thing I would change for the layout is to extend the width with some extra 9" straights.

I want to use the new DCC turnouts, ex: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJGA0&P=SM
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJGA1&P=SM
Only downside is $30 a pop and my budget isn't the highest.   

I do have one passenger station that i am currently building, hopefully i can make it look this good:
source: http://www.atsfrr.com/Reviews/HO/Struct/WaltPortales/Index.htm

Things I need help with:
1) Coming up with a run "schedule" for this layout
2) Industries to service with this layout
3) What years do these two diesel engines represent?
4) General recommendations 

Bachmann,

I tried to type a private message to a forum user and received the following error: The letters you typed don't match the letters that were shown in the picture.

There was no catpcha to refer to, so why does it sound like it wants me to enter in letters from a picture?

Thanks for the help!

-Z

Hey Bachmann,
What is the story with this product?
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/ez/index.php?ezpage=3

"E-Z Command®  Turnout and Accessory Controller (with Readout)

Item No. 44909

Expand digital railroading operation from the mainline to the switching yard!  The E-Z Command® Turnout and Accessory Controller gives you control of decoder-equipped turnouts, buildings, and operating accessories.

    * readout display of active accessory addresses
    * compatible with E-Z Command® accessory decoders and other NMRA-conformant accessory decoders
    * Available late 2005"

It sounds intriguing and I was wondering why it isn't out yet. Thanks for the help! 

I am new to the hobby and I am looking for sites that list EZ-Track layouts.
I have found the following:
http://www.thortrains.net/marx/funlayez2.html
http://www.thortrains.net/marx/funlayez1.html


What other sites are out there? Does Bachmann have a book with layouts?

Thanks for the help