You can actually still find my original build thread somewhere around these parts, back when I was in college and only had access to the layout on the weekends that i was home. I've learned a lot since then, and have also learned that the track work that I did in my tunnels and around the rest of the layout is pretty much horrible. I've been replacing small sections along, but then it turns out that I didnt use a consistant Radius for the cork roadbed either, making it more difficult still. Currently, I have a pair of GP-38-2s from atlas that will run the full layout perfectly. About 20 cars that work also, nothing else does. I'm debating a few things -- 1) Re-lay the problem spots and potentially still be unhappy with the end result. 2) Re-design the whole thing, trash everything but the turnouts (if salvagable) and then go with an entirely new design using the existing 30x72 benchwork, making use of an up and over door layout, plus a 2x4 switching district/staging yard if i can. 3) Re-lay all track work, keeping the design, but better incorporate a few areas that Just do not make me happy with the quality of work that I know myself to be capable of. I'm not asking anybody to make the decision for me, but more asking for opinions and asking those of you who have been through this before, what was the final blow that caused you to re-vamp it all? Thanks, -Rob
Hi Rob, I have to say I too have asked the question "Should I start over, or make some changes that may fix some things?" There are many things I should have done differently with my current layout. Some can be changed but many can't. My last start over was forced because of mold. The one before was due to a move of 500+ miles. Gary
I have never done a revamp. I have tossed layouts and started over from scratch. And added on to layouts ad infinitum. Boredom with the status quo is where I get my wind. Ben
I think most modelers stick to the 'forced' restart, but currently, and due to the size of this layout, that would most likely not force the issue. I've also been toying with the idea of making 2x 4ft Ntrak modules that I could use @ home with a 'run around' loop on each end.... But that involves benchwork construction.... and I'm not much for wood working....
I'm there with the boredom but the second wind has not arrived yet. I may have to move to Texas to get inspired. Ben
Sounds to me like you already want to start from scratch. Think about the possibilities a clean 30x72inch layout hold!! Especially on something as small as a door sized layout, tearing up all the track work and re-laying it pretty much means tearing up everything anyways right?
IMHO...go with #2.... Your original layout is still small in comparision to expansion. Pop off the stuff you need off the old one and start fresh. You wont regret it...trust me >>> been there...done that...got the shirt!...LOL. :tb-biggrin::tb-cool: .
Tear it all up and start anew. That's what I did. Never looked back, and the experience you'll gain doing everything over again will make this layout even better.
I've built a couple of layouts, and run on a few clubs. The one thing I realized that I never like the layout in the end. Always something wrong. This time, it's going to be oNeTrak modular design. Don't like the layout? Unclamp the sections and rearrange it. Want to rebuild a module? Start a new one, then pull out the old when it's ready. Modules can be flipped over on the work bench for wiring. That strength alone should be enough to convince anyone! :tb-biggrin:
I feel your pain. I''m in the process of starting over. I did a small table top layout first and then thought I was ready to do "the Big One." I jumped in with both feet first and was very anxious to get it built and running., Now I've found that my track work isn't good, my curves aren't consistent, etc. The same things you're finding. Job one of a railroad, even a model railroad, is to run. If the trains don't run easily and consistently, what's the point? So that made me decide to start over.
I used an old Atlas track plan and laid it out faithfully. It did not work for me, especially the double figure 8 on the upper level. I ripped up the upper and now have a workable layout. It was painful due to the lost hours and cost of track and turnouts, but worth it in the long run. It was a learning experience.
Mark: Think about what you're building now.... Your original layout was worth all the experiences you endured. Have fun building a new layout...........:thumbs_up:
