I know the ACTRR is very very near completion but I have made a large error in the construction. We have a lot of people stop to look at it and it is a great layout BUT , there is confined space for operators and visitors. I am also thinking of double main line and the use of Kato Uni-track. If I proceed with this I will rescue all the structures and try to re-use what I am able to. The layout was designed for switching and that never happens so new layout will have minimal switching and bi-directional mains. My helix works perfect but will go as well (it is a space monster). Right now I am in the thinking stage and working on a plan of some sort. It is tough to give back real estate but it has become an issue having the shop and friends over. Mike
Yeah , The problem is only 2 people can fit in it and with 3 you bump into everything around the edge. Besides , what fun is a finished layout? Mike
Welcome to the new layout club Mike...... Have fun... let me know if you need some help with the Unitrack...
My layout was pretty much finished when I tore it up and started again. Like you said, what fun is a finished layout?
Hi Mike, I really hate to see this master piece go. I have loved seeing all the videos and photos on here as well as the other site. Are you gong to salvage the track as well, or you going to sell the layout without the structures on it. You do great work my friend, Can't wait to see what new tricks you have up your sleeves. Please let us know what you plan to do with the old one. It would be nice if it was able to continue run trains on its lines, and have some enjoyment running trains on such a masterpiece. Have fun my friend, From Rob
Mike said:what fun is a finished layout? ---------------- Then then REAL FUN begins..Prototypical operation!!! :-D So there! See there is good in a finish layout after all..:-D I am not one to rip out a layout for no reason. but,sounds like yours needs redoing..
Thanks Rob , I will salvage track but not use it. More than likely auction off some structures, and keep all the trees and rock molds. I am going to build a flat or near flat layout this time for mostly viewing. Thanks , mike
Mike, before you de-construct, can you post some photos of how the layout looks from an overall view, so we can see what you mean by the tight spaces? We'd have a better idea of what you mean by 'too tight'. It'd help all of us learn from your experience. Thx.
John , when I say too tight I mean for usually 4 people. This picture shows what appears to be a large space but it is restricted by the helix to 24" accross and on the other end it tapers down to 24" wide as well. 4 seems to be the number of people that regularly come to look at it. Mike
Today I removed all the rolling stock and locomotives and boxed them all back up so a portion can be sold off. The skirting was almost all removed and Robins doll molds were taken out from under the layout. Then all the people , autos , and some of the structures were removed. Tomorrow I will take the remaining structures off and maybe the facia will go next. Funny how it tears down so much faster than it goes in. Mike
Today I got all the facia off and almost all electronic devices removed. Then started on the tree removal and the remaining drive-in , turntable , roundhouse , repair shed , and 2 houses as well as the river bridges. I then moved on to the scenery over the helix and on around to the other side of the center loop. This is all the scrap my S10 could hold. so done for today. I now need to see where I may be able to get Homasote around here. Mike
How long did it take you to build the layout? I have been working on a 2'x6' for eight months, it was originally 2'x4'. I finished the trackwork once, but wanted more siding space.
CLBee , I worked on it , on and off for about 6 years. I have a great building log and will not miss it. I enjoy the building and trying new products and methods. Mike
Thanks Mike for the update and pictures. last year i did the same thing, dismantled my 15x25 layout when i decided to downsize and move to a condo with a one car train room. I also decided this time to go with kato unitrack and a more simple layout that i can detail and watch my trains run through the scenery i have built. I will still have some switching but that won't be the focus. Although the room i have for guests was also downsized it is a little bigger then what you just had. I am really having allot of fun now building this new layout and kato unitrack sure is bullet proof. no problems so far. I'm having fun now and that is the most important thing for me at this time. Please keep us posted. dave
Thanks Dave and John. The track was ordered yesterday and that set me back some and the Homasote shoud be here today. I have not had time to do any more removal , so no new pictures. I hope to do a small youtube commentary on the removal and new plans this weekend. John , if you ever venture through NM we would love you to stop in. Thanks , Mike
