Three more structures for my model railroad

My friends who are into model railroading ask me what my future model railroad will be based upon.  I tell them that my model railroad will exist in an alternative Earth where magic and myths exist.  My railroad exists to supply both civilian and military customers.  One side of the layout would be a port, while the other side a defensive line to defend against attacks by evil fantasy creatures.  Goods and passengers would move to and from the port to the defensive line.  There would be intermediate passenger stations, freight depots, and trackside industries between the port and the defensive line.  Moreover, good fantasy creatures would be assisting the humans to defend themselves.  The good fantasy creatures would have homes and businesses alongside human homes and businesses.  I plan to write short stories based on my layout, with photos of my layout as illustrations for my stories.

When planning your model railroad, you should ask yourself why your railroad exists.  What industries your railroad serves and if there is passenger service.  How do you deal with the classic problem of open top cars during operating sessions?  This has been named the loaded cars in / empty cars out arrangement with a shipping industry, such as a coal mine, separated by a backdrop or tall hill from a coal-fired power station or a coaling tower.  The solution is for your loaded cars to come from the mine to the station or coaling tower, while the empty cars go from the station or coaling tower to the mine.  Under the backdrop or hill, there is a hidden, short connection from the mine to the station, creating a loop for both loaded cars and empty cars.

What time frame is your model railroad based upon?  For example, building a model railroad based on the American Civil War of April 12 1861 to April 9 1865 would be a great choice as you have short trains moving at slow speeds.  Add military modeling with military trains with cannon and siege mortars mounted on flatcars.  You could include one casemate ironclad and monitor ironclad secured to dock mooring lines.  These ships are ready to take on supplies and crews from the adjacent, dockside railroad spur.