Kevin - Turn your head sideways
Just kidding.
The way it's built, there's no room to really step back far enough to get good "horizontal" pics.

Sheldon, Roger, EBT -
I'm aware that you guys are craftsmen at what you do. I envy your skills and dedication to the hobby.
Your standards and expectations aren't too high because that is what you strive for.
Some of the other layouts mentioned are done by folks who are serious model railroaders with an eye for detail and operations.
I don't think Northlandz was ever intended to be up to those standards. The trains there just go round and round.
For guys like me who just like playing with trains, it's the neatest train layout I ever saw.

Rich - Not sure what King Ralph is.
I have a fellow Marine buddy whose dad was stationed in England during WWII where he met and married a British lass and brought her to the States.
She often comes up with phrases like that just to see the reactions of us American folks.

I'd say it's definitely worth it.
Nit pickers probably won't agree as some of the scenery looks like what it is - painted plaster. The whole place shows it's age.
Having said that, it's totally awesome! I whole heartedly recommend it.

Gene - Spotted or not, I don't want any!

Oh yah.... Thunder was his engine and white lightin' was his load.

I had a problem with someone when she asked if I wanted a spot of dick until I realized she was offering me pudding.

I just posted a couple of links to this thread -
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,3651.0.html

If you do a search  for EZ Track on the board, you will find some.
Here are some - http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,661.0.html
Also check out Thor's Trains -
http://www.thortrains.net/

That was like a lightbulb for me.
I never thought about sound "inside" the cars maybe contributing to the noise. I guess a hollow box car would sound different that a flat.
If the trucks were insulated from the body, I guess that would help.

Without the turntable, he would need a wye to turn the locos and that would take up more real estate.
I agree that shot along the track looks real good.

I don't know about the stopping. I've never had that problem.
How long is your loco? Is it a little one?

Gene - I wondered about your spelling of "twelvth", but I see that it can be spelled with a "v" or an "f".

Looks neat. I like your "layout level" pics.

While not in your era, a Bachmann Old Time 4-4-0 will do it.