I have been busy setting up my layout. Up to now, I have 20 turnouts and many feeders that are run below the layout top. Not all have been wired up as it is difficult for me at 86 to do work below the top. My most obvious option is to run all wiring above the top. What could I do to accomplish this. Telephone and power line structures can be erected to carry turnout and power wiring. Has this been done in the past and how practical does this sound? I recall back in the days before solenoid switch machines, we used bell crank and rods running alongside track to control turnouts. That was even prototype, but has been replaced by hydraulic and pneumatic operation. My thought is to run wiring alongside track, but disguise the wiring. How can this be done? Could I run a shallow "trench" alongside the track? or just thin tape to cover the wires and paint or scenic over the tape? I have outlined a few ideas; what do you think?

Bottom line is; I want to do all my work above the layout.

Thanks! That is the way I will do it.