It seems that I may have a chance to build a new layout. It would be in part of an old garage and 3000x5200 is available as shown in the images.

My initial choice is whether to do a complete loop around the area with standard 600 and 900 wide benches for a simple continuous loop that could maybe use grade crossovers to double the effective running length OR to do a dog bone layout with 1200 wide sections at either end to enable return R2/R3 curves.

My question is, if I go with the continuous loop version and "duck under" access isn't acceptable, what is the best way to get walk in access? What are the thoughts on the best way to go - lift out removable section, hinged lifting section, removable bridges across the gap, whatever - or go with the dog bone?

Maybe there is a much better solution, but it must allow for continuous running as I'm not into end-to-end running, dead end termini or shunting.

If it makes any difference, I also favor the 50s - 70s small branch line style of things with trains usually less than 1m long so completely avoiding R1 isn't essential.

Thanks in advance, Mark.

Thanks Adrian,

That's given me a new point of view. My current "island type" layout has a bench height of 1050 and a clearance of 900 underneath around the edges. The 1050 is a compromise viewing height for me and the grandkids. The 900 underneath isn't fun to work under.

I went out and rolled the garage door to different heights to investigate and at 1300 getting under was quite easy. So, if I kept a baseboard height of 1050 but had a dual track bridge 1000/1200 long at a height of 1300 across the access area - that might do the trick. My consists have no trouble with a 5% grade so it shouldn't be too hard to work in a 5 metre or more grade into the plan.

Thanks, definitely worth a thought.

Also, yes, it's very important to keep a special spot for some engineering alcohol.

I use the carriages below to keep up the supply of port or drambuie during winter.

Hi Brian,

Carriages are custom 3D prints along with bogies salvaged from several damaged Marklin 4473s, low side cars, found in a bunch of random bits in the corner of a secondhand shop. They are in two parts to get a drop floor for enough clearance through tunnels.

They were my first attempt at printing something serious when I got a 3D printer and I think I could do a much better job now. There's a slight chance that the 3D files may still be on one of my backup drives. If I find them I'll edit in a link.

Cheers.

"There's a slight chance that the 3D files may still be on one of my backup drives. If I find them I'll edit in a link."

Thank you; that would be great!

Thanks again, Mark. I downloaded the files and will play with them. No shortage of shot glasses here, so at least I have something to start with.
Cheers,
Brian

Now I'm inspired to do automatic filling in my tunnels; a new type of shadow station!
Thanks again for the great info, and for the inspiration!
Cheers (with my coffee cup at this time of day...),
Brian