John,
Your points about 30" or less reach is well taken. I have had my "temporary" 4 x 8 layout up for over 2 years changing it from Christmas to Summer theme and back. It is a 2" sheet of foam on a folding table. To do any track work in the back, (and I have had trouble with Flextrack there) I have to slide the foam out at an angle, then crawl under the corner to the newly opened area, because there is a dresser at each end blocking the way. When I just want to change a building in the back, I have been sliding it in by placing it on the end of a 4' stitck and gingerly moving it in place with the stick. I HATE IT! LOL. That is why the Christmas theme is still up and I am in no hurry to take it down. I am pushing 61, and am more limber than a lot of guys my age, but I am well aware I am in decline! LOL
That said just to emphasize I need realativly easy access to all points.
John,
Two points I like about the initial design. First, I agree it is a more interesting run than the 'What If' I proposed that Dave then ran with. Second, and I forgot to mention earlier, these later plans have a situation where the track crosses over several 'yard/fiddle' tracks or switches. While lots of folks like that interest, it doesn't resemble anything on the prototype, and I'm not looking for that. I have a friend on Facebook who is building a very handsome layout, and it has a track bridging over a yard. He built an ingenious sectional bridge he can lift out for access. Cool, but not what I had in mind.
I want to sketch out the scenic possibilities of the initial snaking design with tunnels and see what the views could be. I have something in mind, but want to get it on paper.
One more thing, while more tracks and switches make for more operation possibilities, they can also clog up the layout and I could lose the mountains effect.
Yes, I proved I can handle any grade we have discussed.
This has been most interesting and fun! I appreciate every idea every one has offered. I need to step back and take it all into consideration.
