Some folks use the over the top crawler, like mechanics use, but I can't see how they would reach 5 feet.  Some folks build pop up access hatches, but I don't want to crawl under and pop up as I get older.  Other folks walk on the top of their layouts, but I want more delicate scenery and don't want the layout too low to not have to hunch over.  So, it is around the walls for me too.  To each his own.

Hey Bryan, you are absolutely right.   And even worse if your try to build a loop with O-72!

On my build for my 5X12, I already have a table that I built with really smooth castors, so I can pull my table out from the wall to work on the back side (which ever side that will be).   I always worry about access on my layout planning - there are some 5X16 and 5X20  variations posted with center access.

I also use a small step ladder (4.5'?) which I can get up on and lean on the top step over the layout.   Adds another foot or so to the reach, for as long as your stomach muscles can stand it (builds six-packs).

Regards, Ken

it doesn't seem like much if you think about it, but 5' is in fact a lot, no matter how you cut it. On the layout I am designing the max reach will be 3', because I know it is hard to reach much beyond that. 

Ken, good idea to put it on casters since you have room to roll it!!

OP asked:  

How deep is a 5' layout anyways???

Answer:  

4 feet 12 inches.

This layout is 5 ft.   60" works with O54 curves.   Right end of my layout.

Camera walk around.  

I added an access hole.

Five foot gets this done.

Here is a 6 X 16 layout similar to the 5X12 designs I have been working on, with a center access area:

The back corner areas remain tough to get at.  This one allows an O-60 route around the outside which will handle O-54 minimum equipment.

One could delete the two spurs and the front/bottom to allow a curved-in access at each front corner to get a better reach toward the back corners.

I have also worked on designs like this one, which has pretty-good reach access:

And this one...

Perhaps the 5.5' X 15 is worth looking at.   The curved corners and center indent help with reach, but the back is still beyond a comfortable reach.

This one has moderate width curves with O-60 on the outside.   Compressing this one to use O-48 max will definitely help the reach.   One could go further, and use O-42 compound curves for the outside route and O-36 for the inside to end up with decent reach access for much of the layout.

One side of my layout is 4' deep. I'm 6'5" and the back corner is a stretch even for me. I would work some sort of access to that corner.

Bob

Oh, and I found this one, 4' X 16', better reach access but still long to reach the back:

The front could be indented further to improve access.

I know what you mean.  I haven't started mine yet, but I'm also going for 5ft deep so I can use multiple Fastrack loops.  Just measuring with the tape measure, I'm shocked at how deep it is, and how much of the room it takes up.  I figure I'm going to be climbing on top to reach the backs and corners.  But I won't have that much scenery.  I'm more of a runner than modeler. 

I just started a 5' deep layout as well.  I don't find it that bad, however, I can walk all the way around my table. 

The way I look at it, you can reach roughly 3' or so from the edge of a layout, if you have something that is 6' wide but can get to both sides, that will work, but if let's say the other side was against a wall, you wouldn't be able to reach across the full 6'. On the layout table I am currently designing, I have a 6' wide stretch but can get to both sides, the other parts are 3' reach max.