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How does your layout run? If everything is working as it should and you enjoy operating it then maybe you should finish it. If, on the other hand it isn't working mechanically the way you would like and it is not easily correctable then start over. I am building my third layout. Each layout is an improvement on what I had built before. There is one thing I would change in the building of my layout but overall I am very pleased with it. From my previous layouts I decided upon these design principles/aspects. I have to be able to reach the trains easily, it must run smoothly, I only use ground-throw switches, the main line has to be a twice around and I need to be in the middle of the layout surrounded by trains. My first two layouts were 4' x 8' Nscale layouts and I got very frustrated when I couldn't reach a train from where I am standing. Oh, I forgot a few other principles. It must have mountains and tunnels, the tunnels have to be easily accessable from the rear and I like having some bridges. Also, I have a two track main line which goes into single track when crossing over the bridge and running through the mountain. This was planned and intentional to add opperating interest. The main line only has three electrical blocks. The sidings/yard have their own seperate blocks. My layout is a "donut" style that I crawl under to get into the middle of. It is 7' x 8' and Nscale. My first layout was an Atlas spaghetti plan that had several blocks and two reversing loops. It was too confusing to operate, hence the three block mainline on my current layout. This is what I like best. I came to these criteria/characteristics by trial and error. Sorry I was so long winded. With each layout you build and operate, you will learn a lot that you can apply to the design of your next layout.
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