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.

My layout is on a self-guided tour this weekend in conjunction with my NMRA Region's convention ("Rails to the Capital" - MCR).  Like most people, an event like this can lead to a flurry of work; in my case that involved rushing some mock-ups of some of the industries in Circleville, the current focus of the layout.  One thing, of course, always leads to another; the mockup work, specifically some reasonably precise plan-drawing and foamboard-cutting that requires good light, made the known weak lighting spots very obvious and somewhat problematic.  I.e., I need

Hi!

How to clean wheels & slider, check and replace the rubber tires, disassemble and make full motor maintenace of Märklin locomotives. The tutorial includes both AC-locomotives, DELTA- and the different generations of DIGITAL locomotives. All in one! A problem-solver if your Märklin locomotives are stopping without reason, not starting, going too fast (strong) or too slow (weak).