E-Z Track Layout Help

[zanthian]

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 

[THB-DAVE]

Hi Zanthian:

2) Industries to service with this layout?
Answer- what ever you want.
3) What years do these two diesel engines represent
Answer- the EMD FT-A 1939 to present but only on secondary lines and tourist railroads after the 70s,
- the EMD GP 40; 1965 to the present
4) General recommendations
Answer- its your railroad, have fun with it

Dave

[zanthian]

THB-Dave,

Thanks for the quick reply on the years. I was trying to gauge the years of the trains to see what vehicles would make sense on the layout.

As for the industries, I am trying to get input as to what might fit in the layout and what would make sense to deliver.

-Zanthian