If you were to start a new railroad....

So this is an attempt at a fun conversation to hear what other modelers would do if they were to start from scratch today and could not model what they currently are modeling. 

Why do I ask, simple.. There are so many great things we can model and most of us are doing exactly what we want, but lets just say you have a clean slate and the only rule is you cant model what you have already done. 

So lets here it, a brief what you model know, and what would you model and why?

Well here goes for the second time, I hope the pictures work this time.

I have my current FreemoN layout depicting the SOO LINE from Cardigan Jct in Shoreview Mn, to New Brighton Jct In New Brighton Mn.

Which is here depicted in Bold.

When I talk about downsizing, I'm not saying the overall size of the layout. In fact, the Ontario South Central Railway has grown 4 1/2 feet with a long staging/Interchange since its inception at its first location. My issue is turnouts. I have about 4 I have to replace. About $150 worth. And as a musician and near min. wage job I can't afford to do that. So...what to do?

Getting ready to layout my mill scene and am in need of a little motivation.  This will fill an approx 2'x12'  area at the end of a branch line.   I would also be interested to hear what your cars in/out besides empties in and lumber out.

I have a good idea of what I want, just seeing what others may have done

Thanks

Steve