I could do so much more with my layout if I did not have to have a stand-up access to the middle of the track. It would mean I could have a semi-full yard instead of mamby-pamby one and set an paper mill beside it.
I could attach the Hogwarts set so trains could run between them.
The downside is even though I could run all the operations of the logging layout and yard from the center of the logging layout I would have to crawl out to go to the Hogwarts layout. However, I could design controls such that the kids could control both Hogwarts and the large loops of the logging layout from the outside of the logging layout.
How fast can I get old anyway? Or better yet, how fast will crawling get old, especially during the building phase, which unless I miss my guess, never ends.
One thing for sure, my friends aren’t going to want to crawl in to have a look see.
You are beginning to see why experienced modelers get away from table layouts and go to around the walls or modular linear layouts. Access is important as you get older, for both operation and maintenance. The height of the layout usually increases as you get older, since you want to see it at your eye level when you operate.
I have it designed right now as a 30" shelf round the walls in a U shape with 2 4 foot pennisulas on the ends of the U. What I am talking about eliminating is the walk-through space into the center of the U.
Sorry, I saw your smaller layout and thought that was the one you were discussing. What height will the new layout be? If it is high enough, it becomes a “duckunder”, but becomes problematic for the kids to see. Do you have to close off the open end? How about a peninsula that goes into the open space?
The top level of the Hogwarts is about 48" so that is height it will be. I gain a little if I add a lift out bridge or two, but with the pennisulas, I have to turn the trains around. If I connect the two pennisulas, I gain the space from the gap and 3 feet from each pennisula dedicated to turning the train. Right now I have a small 6 track yard that works in one direction. By connecting them, I can build a two ended yard 6 feet long with access from both directions–plus room for a paper mill and a couple sidings.
Life is full of tough choices, right? On one hand it will double the layouts operational ability, on the other I like not having to duck.
Yeah Chip, I’m faced the same design delimas. I saw a great little layout from two 4x8 boards that is designed for continous running and point to point. It sits in the corner as well. I think it’s in the book “40 Top Notch Track Plans” from Model Railroader.
Or you could put a turntable on the yard points to turn the train around. (Just another idea)
Go find a card table. Set it in the door to your layout room. Every single time you enter the room, crawl under the card table rather than walking in or out of the room. Secure it in place so your kids have to crawl under it, too.
In a month, if you haven’t smashed the card table to tiny bits in frustration, THEN consider building a duckunder.
As far as ducking under as you get older, so much depends on your physical condition. I’m 59 and in the process of building an around the wall with a duck under at the entrance. When I need to cut a piece of wood, it’s out of the train room and back to the shop where the saw is. Repeat this process 20-30 times a night as necessary and you can see where it could get old in a hurry. The bottom of my bench work is about 40" from the floor.
I have no problem with this but my wife, who is younger than me, has problems getting in and out just once.