Trying to save my old layout...

[cheese3]

I said in the coffee shopi was going to do a complete overhaul on my layout over in the coffeeshop, well I have decided it is going to be easier to build my new layout rather than try to save my old one. It is kind of sad because i have had this layout from the begining. It has been through alot of improvements and changes but the problem is i am using old used track that falls apart when you touch it and i have no benchwork. Just 4 pieces of plywood skrewed together and set on 2 18" x 6' tables. It is going to be hard to let go of it but i have to move on and do it right.

What have I learned? I have learned alot from working on the old layout and plan to learn and do more on the new one. I have learned sturdy benchwork is a must and track with sometimes only 7 ties is not good. I learned a little ballast goes a long way and to take my time and not rush or skip on anything.

The new layout will be a 11' x 10' around the walls or "U" shape layout (i have not decided yet) . It will have 2 levels and plenty of operating oportunities.

So in a way the old layout will always be with me in all that i have learned and in all of the pictures from when it was EZ track on bare wood to my sectional track with ballast and scenery.

Any advice on any of the steps in volved with building a new layout would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Happy Railroading

[Anonymous]

Hey Cheese3,

You could always do like I did with my first big layout. Find a "Boy Scout Troupe" into trains, and donate it. I found that trying to salvage anything glued down, buildings, turnouts, etc. is a waste of time. It all goes to h___. At least if you donate it, you can do a full value tax write off. The extra change will help on the new layout. Just don't go back, and see what the little newbees do to it. Remember, they're still learning.

Tell Zoe this ones on me.
See you back at the coffee shop,
Bill North

>>>>>[tup][:P] <<<<<Still can't get rid of that itchy ear.

[cheese3]

I am a boy scout and i could donate it to my troop but we do not have anywhere to put it. Good thought though.

[Anonymous]

Adam apparently you have gained the experience you need to make a careful, thoughtful new beginning, congratulations. First, be sure to choose a track plan (from the many books on the subject) that is manageable for the the demensions you will be working with. A scale drawing is very helpful for avoiding mistakes before you begin anything. Next is that sturdy "benchwork" mentioned before. Nothing will nag you more than flimsy support (as you know). Wiring (for me) is on a block to block basis as you go. Unless, you opt for D.C.C. which I hartily recommend. Be sure to run a "bus" for supplying feeders to blocks and later for accessories. That is enough for now on a new start. Best advice? Read, read and read some more until you have a plan that you know you can grow with. Meantime, hold on to enough of the old layout to satisfy your operating blues 'til the new one has developed. Good luck to you

[cheese3]

Thanks for the advice Ted. I have been thinking of what i want and i am starting to sketch ideas. My track plan will be based on the On21/2 plan in the May 2005 MRR. I have not drawn it to fit my room yet but that is what i want.

[MisterBeasley]

Take pictures. Lots of pictures. If you can still run a train, take some video. It's time to move on, but there are memories there that you will want to bring back later on. Take some shots of that really, really bad trackwork. You'll laugh at it in a few years, and you'll be glad you took the time for the photos.

[TrainFreak409]

That is a shame that you can't salvage it, but the next one will probably be so much better, you'll be over it in no time.

At least you have had a layout...Some of us haven't[V]

~[8]~ TrainFreak409 ~[8]~