Thanks jetrock. You have some valid points that need to be addressed. The first and most inflexable item that I have to take into consideration is that I'm confined to a wheelchair which really limits my ability to reach over long distances. Doing some work with the local club really drove that home.
Re the loop behing the roundhouse, I had put that in as part of the runaround track so that the switcher would have access to both sides of the yard. If you have another way to accomplish that I am all ears.
I am currently working on a method to do more or less what you are suggesting. Two things I am considering is 1, the use of swingdown gates that would allow a full circuit of the room (as per attachment) and thus reduce the need to bunch everything up like it is now. and 2, the use of dropdown shelves as described by Train Clown in the thread
13 year old needs help page 4 entry 55. These would be kept in place until access to the back areas would be needed. (need to start a thread thanking TC for the idea)
I'm also considering starting all over from scratch.
A lot of work, but less than tearing out something already built. Thanks for the input. Every new suggestion helps.