Rework: a necessary Evil

[FJ and G]

Let's face it. Rework sucks.

But you can never escape rework, unless you do everything perfectly the first time. Last year I dug up my basement concrete and poured new cement 3 times until the tub and toilet was positioned perfectly--using a sledghammer & chissel. That's just one example.

And now the train layout. Last week I tore out the fascia and replaced it. Last night I took all the mountains down because I decided to go with a taller backdrop that wouldn't squeeze in behind them (I primed the masonite last night).

Now, I want to redig the river and realign the roadbed to eliminate some S-curves.

Rework a necessary evil? You bet. But if you don't do the rework, it will come back later to bite you in the ***.

dave vergun

[Big_Boy_4005]

I try to avoid it at all costs. That may be one of the reasons that I move so SLOWLY. I often find myself standing back imagining how everything will look and fit together, even for parts of the project that aren't being worked on at that moment. Often this leads to minor deviation from the original plan, but saves the hassle of rework later. Sometimes I even get a NEW idea, and I don't have to kick myself, because construction wasnot even started there yet. You simply don't think of everything during the planning process. Perhaps the old adage HASTE MAKES WASTE is applicable here.[;)]

[FJ and G]

Elliot,

A lot of this is a function of one's personality. I sort of charge ahead; if you recall the 3 functions of performance, the options are (in order of steps performed for a given activity):

-Think, feel, do
-Think, do, feel
-Feel, think, do
-Feel, do, think
-Do, think, feel
-Do, feel, think

Mine would be the last one.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Slow and steady wins the race![sigh][swg]It might be worth the savings in frustration , not to mention MONEY, in the long run. Just food for thought.[;)][:)]

[brianel027]

I do like Elliot's way of thinking... or maybe better to say in this instance, his approach. I does pay to plan in advance. But I think way Dave is saying (without saying it) is that part of the learning process is making changes.

I prefer to not rip things up, etc. etc. But I have done it when I felt it was really the best thing to do. I also put a lot of thought into various options before I tear something up. Same goes for my repainting and rebuilding... my mind is always swirling with ideas... how can I turn this train into that train... how I can I make this engine run better. And for all the brainwork and advance planning, there are times where trial and error is the ultimate teacher.

When I was building a layout for my nephew we planned it in advance on the computer. I wanted him to learn the concept of planning and using some basic math. After we did it, he told me it wasn't complicated enough. (Ah, what every dad or uncle wants to hear!!) So, we did some more planning and ripped things up and made changes. But I tried to make the whole process a positive learning experience for him too, as well as being fun.

Trial and error is a good way of learning. Any inventor knows this. But that's no excuse to avoid a little "mental sweat" and think things out in advance... my thinking is you want trial and error to be a learning process, not an excerise in fumbling and muddling.

[clinchfieldfan]

Big Boy is right, I rushed headlong into construction and scenery on parts of my layout. Now I'm going back and tearing out sections. Hind sight is 20-20.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Thanks guys, I've learned all of this stuff over many years. I drew my current track plan almost 5 years ago, but now that I am actually building it, I am running into situations that require modification or outright re-design. When I drew the plan, it was based on the best information I had at the time.

20 years ago, I was a member of an HO club, and one of the guys in that club was always saying "If you don't have time to do it right, when do you have time to do it over?" Of course these words have stuck with me as well.

Sometimes we just have to do things in the name of progress, but it always helps to think things through as much as possible first.

That is one of the things I love about this forum. By simply asking before starting a project, you have an oportunity to avoid a lot of potential problems by picking the brains of all the members here. Perhaps, of all of the members here, Dave is one of the best question askers.[swg]

[FJ and G]

Elliot,

I wish I could answer questions as good as I can ask question. :-)

BTW, as we are speaking, my daughter is at home painting my backdrop. She's painting a sunset at one end and 30 feet away to the left she's going to put a thunderstorm. No lightning, however, as it would look too static. We are trading emails of sunsets off the web. A real collaborative work!

dav

[Big_Boy_4005]

Dave, sounds great, I'm guessing that she is positioned comfortably as she works. I'm very anxious to see the photos of this projects results. And to think, that entire discussion, and ultimate decision to try this method, started when you asked about SHELF BRACKETS!!!!! Your questions make us ALL THINK!!!! Thanks!!![:D][8D]

[FJ and G]

The only danger is from the beagle. She's lurking in the basement and if she decides that the paintings are giant chew toys, then that might delay the project.

Last night I put a tarp and a drop cloth over the carpet. She won several art trophies and sells her work so I'm kinda excited. I'm a bit concerned, however, since the boards I gave her total 24X4 feet (three 4X8s). That's a lot of painting!

Also, I'm getting my final basement inspection done on Monday.

[Dr. John]

To me, reworking is part of the hobby. If I don't like an area of scenery, I can redo it. If I want to realign a section of track, I can. Sure, there is a sense in which you feel like time and effort may be wasted, but I look at it as part of the learning curve.

Even now, as I am in the track laying phase of my new layout, I have changed the design twice. Once to allow more space between curves and another to allow more space for a lumber mill on a spur. (Even the best track planning software is not perfect).

I wish I could remember the old model railroader who advocated rebuilding the worst square foot of your layout every couple of months. That way, you are constantly improving and upgrading.

[eZAK]

I rework after I think to much about it.

Think, Do, Feel, Think, Do, Feel...................

[rlplionel]

Reworking is not only a part of the hobby, but should be part of the fun of the hobby. My layout is now over 10 years old. In looking at old layout photos, I can see where I've improved the overall layout by reworking a section to accomodate a new accessory or adding the upper layout level. Also, on a layout with this many years, you sometimes just want to do or see something different.

[Anonymous]

Big Boy has the right idea. Think it through before starting it.

Old carpenter's saying.......
"Measure twice so you only have to cut once."

As for tearing down an older layout and replacing it with newer stuff I wouldn't call that a rework. That's just wanting something all new so it would be new construction. Nothing wrong with that. I have made a couple of new layouts on my train table just because it was a new idea and I was tired of the whole old layout.

[Anonymous]

I have been planning for a lifetime for my "basement full of trains". I saved
many issues of CTT and OSR/OGR that featured beautiful train rooms. My
wife and I spec'd out several different plans before I started what has become
a really nice two-layout train room downstairs. Hopefully, I won't have to tear
anything down to "parade rest", but possibly in years to come I will, like other
posters here, decide to change the entire layout on one or the other tables
just because I want a complete change. However, the tablework and shelving
arrangements are permanent and the design we settled on results in the best
utilization of space, storage and maximum flexibility and access for people
who want to come and enjoy our trains. The tables are designed for access
to all points without having to use pop-ups and duck-unders. They may be OK
today, but a few years down the road when you are stiffer and older, they become
impractical and unusable. Table height was arrived at by measuring the best view
from a seated position in a chair. This makes things convenient for children
and seniors who may not be able to stand. Aisles were measured using ap-
plicable width to accomodate a wheelchair or stroller. Tables can be viewed
from all sides, thus affording maximum variety and dimension of the layouts.
All carpentry, construction and electrical work was done to meet and exceed any
applicable codes. The basement has been outfitted with heavier 110V service,
fire extiguishers, heat and smoke alarms, standby lighting for evacuation and
finished walls and carpeted floors for comfort and sound deadening. Once all
of the major train construction is done (permanent wall shelving to be built right
after York) then the only changes I anticipate will be the periodic rotation/changing
of buildings, accessories and rolling stock on the layouts and display shelves.

The layout tables and wiring are constructed to accomodate running changes, if
desired, without having to reconstruct or destroy what is already in place. The
shelving will be set up to accomodate anything from N to G and Standard without
wasted space and without having to reconstruct the shelving. Again I looked over
many designs and used parts of each to come up with an ideal design for my
space. It's all in the pre-planning. But hopefully, I have avoided having to undo or
redo anything because of haste or impatience. This will allow for more time to
enjoy the trains themselves.

[Big_Boy_4005]

All great planning ideas Ches. I almost stick to ADA standards for my aisles, because I will eventually welcome visitors, and want everyone to enjoy my creation.

For those that don't know what ADA is, it stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act passed into law about 14 years ago, if i remember correctly.