Gary provided an interesting theme as to making your railroad more plausible and enjopyable by providing a reason to be: the "back story". In keeping with this concept, I had developed the NY&W Railroad back in the year 2000 as both a website learning tool and a proto-freelance concept. http://www.trainsarefun.com/nyandw/nyandw.htm
A history, logo, slogan (The Tri-State Gateway'), route map, passes, interchange, custom decals, and paperwork where all designed. As reality would have it the LIRR leased its freight operations to The New York Atlantic Railway. http://www.trainsarefun.com/NYA/nyacontents.htm along the same route!
This is another form of armchair modeling that you may find useful and enjoyable that translates to details, function, and operation on YOUR railroad. 🙂
Visit trainsarefun.com to see more! Best, Steve Lynch