Don't know if this idea would help (and I don't really know if I should muddy the waters, given my all too infrequent visits here these days
), but if space is a problem, I've always been quite partial to the idea of just modelling the platform ends of a station, with a tunnel exit/entrance at the other end. You could use the intervening space as a fiddle yard and disguise the front of the intervening space with low relief houses/ townscape etcetera. It doesn't really solve the problem of train length, but the extra sidings which could be added would help a bit with stock storage.
I'll leave the regulars to think about the details!
Should be able to visit with a bit more regularity after my last essay goes in...10th December.
