On another thread, there were some actual experience comments about trying to use modular/sectional methods to build a home layout. This is an approach we're calling TOMA - The One Module Approach.

Rather than hijack that other thread, I've moved that TOMA comment here into a new thread and I'd like to explore the topic with anyone who has actual experience trying to do TOMA-like methods for building a home layout.

The older I get the more difficult it gets to rummage around under the layout, on the floor, trying to complete wiring, switch machine installation, etc.  There are ways of easing this somewhat (e.g. using suitcase connectors for wiring) but I'm wondering how far some of you may have gone to address this.  Since I tend to do all the work myself I'd be interested in any tricks/tips/hints you may have on ways to work from the top down instead of bottom up.  Suggestions for switch machines, accessing wiring for maintenance, etc.

Evening all. Been awhile since I posted in here. Wanted to get some advice form the old heads so figured I'd post progress and plans in here. I'd appreciate any advice you folks can offer.  Below is a basic desription of what I have so far. Below that the track plan to date.

All the white will be more or less at one level. That may change as I modify things as we go.

The layout I currently have under construction is a free lanced plan of a fictitious portion of the N&W Pocahontas District. Being a coal hauler located in the Appalachian mountains, you would expect my layout to have a lot of grades, but such is not the case.