General Discussion (Model Railroader)

 Joe, it's about to be changed. however, this time, at the suggestion of the folks at nscale.org. All I'm going to do is stretch it out for an 8x12. Basically, jsut add more mainline run.

Track is all laid and glued on the lift bridge! The joint on the staging yard side is already cut, and I'm waiting until both the glue attaching the track to the lift bridge and the glue used to ballast the approaches on the layout side (I don't trust track nails to hold the tracks within 1/16" alignment when they're just driven into 2" thick foam...) to dry before I cut those joints.

I haven't decided whether I'll use a hacksaw, a Xuron, buy a razor saw, or bite the bullet and have a friend with a Dremel come over to cut four lousy joints... I'll probably go with the Xuron and hope the crushed end doesn't interfere with train movements. I'll have to do some careful work with a file.

 So I should assume you're not dead, and that I don't get your trains! Aw...

So I was IMing before, and we started discussing my layout. The suggestion came up that I should maybe consider rebuilding my layout. This was suggested to me once before (Tyler suggested it, IIRC), but after thinking about it, I had decided not to.
But now that it has come up a second time, I'm thinking that maybe I should. I can adopt a better track plan that is better suited to operations, and has more room for industries. I can also redo the track, this time with actual roadbed, and flextrack with concrete ties. If I do do this, then I can also get wider radius curves, which will make the Comets and MultiLevels look and operate better. I can also install feeders around the track to help with pickup (as of now, there is one set of wires going to the track, and trains speed up in some places and slow down in others). While I'm at it, I can also get a better DCC system, such as a Prodigy Express or Zephyr.
On the other hand, I've already put some work and money into this layout, and it will all be gone if I start over. But I could probably sell the E-Z track and use the money to buy flextrack, and maybe have a little money left over (E-Z track is way more than flextrack).

The more I think about it, the more I want to do it. But I would wait until I get some more money and stuff. I could just stop working on the current layout, and just operate until I'm able to build the new one.
Am I thinking this over too much? Should I do it, or is it not worth it. I'm driving myself insane thinking about this, so I am BEGGING for input.

 Joe, completely forget about it for a day or two (at least until your mind is rested), then list the pros and cons, then go with what makes YOU happy man, it's a hobby, lol.

I can tell you I will be doing NOTHING on my layout plans etc. this wqeek. I came home almost DEAD from soccer camp, lol.

Some of the trailers I've bought recent have arrived. I never realized how much of a pain those collapsable athearn hitches are. Had to enlarge the hole in them and file a little of of the trailer pins to get them to rest on the hitches. I have another 6 coming soon.

Ty, The hacksaw would be a good bet. If you have a cut-off tool or grinder with a thin disc that would work too, but might be a bit cumbersome if it's a tight space. 

Alex, remind me not to let you have any of mine if something happens to me. lol
(Actually, I'd probably better off doing that since my bro would use them for target practice, and my sis would probably paint them pink and have all sorts of glitter on them.)

Well, thanks to Alex forcing me into rebuilding my layout (thanks), I have this to present:
EDIT: The picture isn't showing up, so here's the link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ns3010/3701033133/sizes/l/in/photostream/

It's the trackplan for the new Watchinson Line. I actually like this a lot better, because it makes the mainline longer, has room for two industries instead of just one, makes the station more accessible for trains, has more room for a larger yard, and has room for more scenery, such as a larger downtown and a river (which is on the right side of the layout, but I forgot to color it).
The main table is 4x10 and a 1/2 (48"x92") and the L-shaped extension is 3x10.5 (2 squares= 1 foot). Minimum radius is 21" (although the curve on the extension is 18" because that's all I had room for. However, this won't matter because I can just put a speed restriction, both because of the curve, and because of the yard). Turnouts are no. 6. And there are no grades.

I'm open to questions, comments, and suggestions. And once again, thanks Alex!

Yeah, well I'm exhausteder...

 After some suggestions and comments, I made some much needed modifications to the plan:

The major changes were made to both yards (changing and removing tracks), changing the 21" curve to 20.5" radius, and drawing the turnouts correctly.
I'm still here for comments and suggestions

You know how you can tell how your commute is bad? When it requires you to ride on every form of ground transportation in use in the area! Foot, bike, car, bus, light rail, subway, and commuter rail. I got up at 5:30 AM yesterday, and got home at 10:30 PM. I literally covered 110 miles yesterday, about 2/3 of it on public transportation. And I have to do the same thing next week on Wednesday and Thursday!

Sounds like you had fun!

I got back to the LRV after you left. None of the guys there knew you, but they knew me! When I got back to Riverside they had just finished getting it on the trailer!

TGIF!!!!!! Anyway, a few weeks ago I ordered an Atlas Trainman Covered hopper at my LHS. If it's there, today I may buy some of my track that is needed. Joe, as said on other forums, get larger radius curves and more industries. My layout is having an identity crisis. I don't know if I want to model Norfolk Southern, or my freelanced railroad. UGGGGGGGGGG..... BTW, have fun Tyler!

Ty, you forgot segway and moped.

I was planning to around and pick up supplies today, but a case of food poisoning is holding me back.