Layout down for expansion

I have been pondering expanding the layout for a few years now.  This involves tearing out the existing staging yard, and expanding into another room.  Roanoke, IL will also have to be moved to be able to insert the missing Eureka, IL on the TP&W, and to insert east staging for the TP&W.  I have decided to do a helix and an upper level over part of the layout to be able to fully model all 57 miles of the Pekin branch.

New/moved on the lower level:

• Eureka, IL on the TP&W.  ATSF has trackage rights on the TP&W, and interchanges with them here.
• TP&W east staging.
• Roanoke, IL moved from current location.
• Benson, IL.

New on the upper level:

• Minonk, IL.  Interchange with IC charter line.
• Dana, IL.
• Long Point, IL.
• ATSF staging (Streator, IL)

This expansion will add roughly 95 feet of run to the layout, plus whatever distance the helix adds.

Current state of the layout:

Future state of the layout:

The hardest part of this expansion will be being out of operation for at least the remainder of 2023.