Diving into this

[CoachBob]

Thank you...I do like the slope tool and cleaning those up is next on my list...

[CoachBob]

Thanks to everyone once again for the help.  I did a reality check on space and decided to compress the middle section which saved about 3 feet in length without (I think) negatively impacting the layout.  I think I'm in a good spot and will likely start construction during the holidays.  Any suggestions are welcome.  I did add a spur on the right side which could allow the addition of a yard at some point down the road.

[LDL]

I'd recommend keeping a straight track before the points on the lower left.  Optionally, use a lefthand turnout with a large frog, as the mainline would be using the curved leg.

The front of the layout could follow a riverbank.  The two streams would be tributaries.  Could throw in some smaller rills/swales, too.

[CoachBob]

Thanks for the suggestions LDL, I did flip the location of the straight track and it's better but couldn't do much more.  I had a stream originally but dropped it when I lowered the elevation of the main stream.  I put it back and like it better.

I'm about ready to get started in earnest but welcome suggestions:

L Girder construction with top of joists planned for 43.5" (I don't want to go higher due to sitting height and young grandkids

1/2" or 3/4" plywood cutout for tracks with homabed roadbed

Peco Code 83 track with Peco Turnouts as well.  Plan on using SMAIL turnout motors to allow them to connect to DCC though I likely with have a control panel button option as well

Digitrax wireless for DCC

Limited lighting but with Woodland Scenic and separate power control

Working on tunnel access in back two upper corners.  Considering either from below or lift off foam mountain top.  Still considering this.  Bottom left is a reach but not much going on that left side so may get away with it

[CoachBob]

Forgot to attach the JPG

[LDL]

I took "final" as a challenge!   

You don't want to model the entire width of the Big River, just the far bank.  The main line prototypically follows the Big River, and the branch line follows a tributary.

You could model any number of small scenes along the riverbank, right up front in the best locations.  Fishing, wildlife, swimming, etc.

The small streams provide a reason to include small bridges and culverts.   

[CoachBob]

I appreciate the effort...I'm not sure that fits what I had in mind but I'll let it settle a bit.  My concern was that I was planning on a gorge of sorts for the two streams and not sure how that would fit now but I'll give it some thought...