I mention in an earlier post that I was in the process of building a new train room. It is now compete. Work has already started on the 30X40 ft HO scale layout and will begin in September on the 12x40 ft Hi-Rail layout. This layout will "unfold" the layout that I have now at 12X21 ft. The concept will be the same with the same town names, industries and switch lists for the most part, but will expand on the "operation" concept that I have now. It will feature a single track point to point main line, with two reverse loops on the ends, rather then the mutiple loops that are in my current layout. I am excited to begin but will miss my "old friend"! Now to just get started taking it down!
Reflecting here on my own experiences:
If you don't have a pressing need for the old layout space, and don't need to immediately recycle the benchwork, leave the old layout standing. Once you have enough new benchwork built to need to reclaim your existing track, remove a loop at a time (maybe with the aid of a work train...) while keeping at least one operational until you can start running on the new layout.
Why? Because, when you hit those, "What am I going to do now???" moments, you can power up the old track and watch wheels roll. BIG pick-me-up!
Then, when you know that all's well in new layout land, the final disassembly and recycling of the old faithful will be a lot less traumatic. Something like finally burying Grandpa, with your own kids and grandkids in attendance. You KNOW that life will go on.
Chuck
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