We got gas!

Yes, a gasification (Coal/Gas) will be modeled on the upper deck of my layout. Upper deck? Well as originaly concieved, the SBT was a logging railroad, with a switchback that lead to an upper deck. Those plans were abandoned as it was simply going to be impossible in the space I had aloted. But with the new extension the grade can be maintained with or without a switchback. As most are aware, the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern served one of the largest Coal/Gas plants in the nation, now the site of Gas Works Park. It would only make sense I model such a plant. Although smaller in size, it will serve the Ballard and Salmon Bay metro with it's "city gas" and also ship the gas to other local municipalities.
And while doing some wikisearch I found out a few other important historical facts about the SL&E. It had a connection with the Canadian Pacific and was known as the Seattle & International Railroad for awhile. Those may come in to play. It seems the more research I do, the deeper this rabbit hole goes.

Growing Pains

The SBT is expanding. As near as I can make out, the landlord of the space I'm using (My mom) has stated only two rules since I started my project in her furnace room. And those are "Keep stuff off the floor and put my tools away." So I'm adding Salmon Bay to my layout as an L shaped addition. This will really add to my industry locations as well as allow for passenger service between Ballard and Salmon Bay. And as a bonus I'll be able to flesh out the engine terminal and service area with a dedicated location. This will mean a pretty intensive rewrite of my route history, but it should be fun. As a side note, the history is kept up to date, so I'll be editing the original post to reflect current trends. I've decided to model the war years to the present, as that seems to be the greatest era for operational interest. I'll also be introducing the SP and Union Pacific as a partners in this enterprise. That means more traffic, and not three but five (GN, SP, NP, CMSt&P, UP) transcontinental lines using the railroad for interchange as well as the SBT itself. Of course in the present it is just three railroads total UP, BNSF, and the SBT. Look for the updated history later next week.

Success!

I made out well in the train show. Enough cars to finish my fleet and a Southern Pacific 44-Ton switcher. I look to complete track work this week. That is all!