Smr Simple!

I want to make a couple MultiPlayer maps.
*Should maps be devided into four equal parts.
*Map size...is larger maps needed or stay with the 10x10 or maybe 12x12?
*Resources...should each of the four areas have a resource that the other three don't have...that way you have to buy that from the other player?
*What is the standard play time for a multiplayer game?

I have just started digging into the games standard multiplayer maps. I thought I might start this thread and get feedback from everyone and see what I can make up.

Thanks in advance for all ideas and comments...

1.A map is usually pretty open, but this means that players can get into each others railway faster and take there goods from them making the game faster.
2.Large multiplayer maps keep players seperated longer allowing them to create a railway empire away from the others and then bregin to take there goods later. lots of people like this.
3.seperate areas with recources creates the need to take goods from other players which is how you win pretty much
4.about an hour