Stopped to look at where I was and were things are now...here's some shots of my progress - learning from this site. (The first shot was with the flash mode which lightened and highlighted the ballast more than it appeared then. The second shot of the layout today was with natural moring sunshine and no flash.). Some things that have changed in the last year: All the track was re-ballasted and weathered, All the hills had all the lichen removed and many of the trees replaced, All the roads were re-done (and probably will again soon since I'm still not happy with the way they turned out), Four structures were added with three more in the works, All four corner hills were rebuilt to lighten up the look of the overall layout (the center hill will get the same treatment soon), Telephone poles/signs added as well as some smaller detailing here and there, All the buildings were weathered as were a few engines and railroad cars. Thanks to all of you for the tips, hints, and help that I've needed to improve my layout. I have learned a great deal from this website (the only one I frequent). And it's not done yet...so many things to improve upon still. When I figure out how to use my camera in the "close up" mode I'll post more pictures here. Thanks for viewing them, and as always, all comments/critiques/suggestions are appreciated.