Shelf layout might fit the bill....

I don't concur with the current thinking that seems to be moving toward narrower and narrower shelves but an around the walls shelf layout with shelves ranging from 12" to 24" inches deep is one way to go. For a great website overall and a great article on 4X8 alternatives look here.... http://www.layoutvision.com/.... Byron designs layouts for hire but there is a lot of free information on his site that has been invaluable to me.

Michael

OK, I looked at Lance's website

Except for beginners' layouts all of his recommendations are for around the wall shelves and peninsulas.  So are you attempting to tell that Lance is recommending something else or what is your point?  Because I saw nothing that contradicts the use of shelves and peninsulas to create the distance and separation of scenes to denote distance.  What did I fail to recognize.

Most of us use the narrow shelves so we can reach all points of our layouts without having to stand on stools or other devices that tend to shift when the modeler forgets they are up on something and then we have the opportunity to visit the ER.  (That's a BAD.)  Many of us have decided we don't line duckunders for a variety of reasons, most of them dealing with the dislike of pain.  (hence the emphasis on foam padding for them recently in this forum.) 

Are you attempting to provide Stephan D. with an alternate POV?  Lance even had a section describing that effort.  How wide are you encouraging Stephan D. to build his layout.  Remember a four by ten needs at least 2 feet on all side so the operator can access all the areas of the layout.  I have one friend who is building a peninsula that is four foot six inches wide, but he has to use a step stool to reach the interior when he is laying track.  His wife has had to pick him up off the floor a couple of times and is about ready to announce her "Wifely Decision" which no male wants to hear.

Tom, I have no idea what you are even talking about....

First of all I recommended Byron Henderson's website, not Lance Mindheim's although his is good also. I also said, "an around the walls with shelves ranging from 12" to 24" inches deep is one way to go"  I don't think 24" deep is too wide. Even 30" inches deep is OK although your "working reach" get's to be a little strained at that point. Why are you jumping at me? My comment toward the trend of narrower and narrower shelves is about the people who want to go to 8" and even 6" wide shelving and reduce scenery to nothing more than a narrow band in front of the track, a backdrop and a few building flats. I'm not a big fan of that and I stated my opinion.  I mean geez... Can we get back to helping out the OP now?

Michael