Upgrade your Existing Layout

[jrbernier]

This is sort of a question - Asking for others input. My layout was started in 1987, and all of the benchwork/trackwork/electrical was complete by the spring of 1992. Most of the scenery was complete about a year later. In the mid to late 90's I converted the layout to DCC, but nothing really has changed. Last year I had to tear out part of the branch line to get access to the central A/C(had to replace the 'A' coil). My plan was to tear out the entire branchline, and build a new workspace in that corner and then build a new branchline terminal above that work area. I sort of procrastinated for over a year(should I start the project or tear out the layout(25X20 area) and start over. This winter I started a 'rebuild' of the existing layout:

o - Staging tracks were lengthened
o - The twin-coil switch machines were replaced with Tortoise motors.
o - The 3 old 'cab control' panels were removed from service.
o - All new DCC 'bus' wire was run(still in progress).
o - A new 'siding' was added to a town(critical mistake in old design).

Much of the scenery has been stripped and new 'rockwork' will be added after the reconstruction dust settles. And that branchline/work area? Still have not torn it out(it is next on the 'list'). I was hoping to have most of the work done by the end of August, but as usual, it is taking longer and I am now looking at Christmas as the start of 'operating' again.
Which bring me to this question - How many existing layouts get a 'rebuild' with current technology? Or are the owners so dissatisfied that they tear it all down and start over? I am not saying the present layout is a perfect design(I had 4 other layouts over the years). I am just curious how many other layouts get a rebuild, and what are the reasons the owner have made that decision?

Jim Bernier

[howmus]

I am currently rebuilding a layout that I started and never finished about 23 years ago. There are a lot of things that I would change if I were starting fre***oday. I will soon be expanding into a new area of the basement and will try a lot of new techniques. Sooner or later, much of the old part of the layout will be rebuilt (If I live that long), but I have decided to modify and use the existing part for the time being. I might actually finish it! LOL [:D]

[selector]

I can't answer directly, Jim, but knowing me, I would salvage whatever I could from the old layout, even if it were only a few 2X4's and some 1 3/4" screws. I would try to salvage mountains and tunnels for sure, because if they are well done, they should be spared the land-fill treatment. I would also try to build over existing benchwork and foam by layering new foam over top of the old. Gets me to running trains on the 'new' layout that much quicker.

I guess it would depend, too, on the approach to the benchwork; around the wall, table type, modular, etc? Certainly, I will try a new method in that regard...just 'cuz. I want the experience.

I was quite taken with the layout Electroluv posted a few weeks ago. I intend to massage that a bit to suite some preferences I have, and then slave away for a few months. That won't be for another couple of years, unless I come into some easy cash. However, it will mean a complete cleanout, wood and all.

[jxtrrx]

I think the key ingredient is to never forget that this is supposed to be fun. What's "fun" is different for each of us. To me, starting over with a fresh new layout sounds fun. If it doesn't sound fun to you, don't do it.

[Anonymous]

I've tried retrofitting a couple of layouts. I tried a modular aproach but without a set standard so nothing matched up right. The iidea behind it was when I got bored with it and as my skills progressed i would update and change things around. Well I decided to do it right and start over. Since I used plywood and nailed my track down most was salvaged (the one thing i did right the first time around). Now the surplus lumber that is still in decent shape is going to make much need shelving around the house.

We all try and plan for the future of our layout, but we can only plan for the stuff that's already invented. So we must make do with that and hope that to retrofit is not to tear down.

Your plan seems to be rather nice. Not to much to do before you can run trains again. sometimes a change is all you need to start getting addicted to the hobby again. Most modellers will eventually get bored with their layout. So it's nice to mix things up evereyonce in a while. Another good reason to retrofit is to fix the problems of the old layout (like you did with the siding) A small problem that can't be fix sometimes will bloom into something that makes you stay out of the basement because you are fed up with it.

If you read MR I'm sure you'll read how the layouts have changeed over the years. It's good to grow.
Andrew

[Anonymous]

i just rebult my layout it took me a year to get to the point were i can run a train on the mainline and use my yard.next my switching and staging needs to be bult.

but i can say i am happy with most of the rebuld my last layout had nothing but a main line to run trains on . i would like to find a way to raise it a little it's at wast hight now and i would like to get it at chest hight i am 5'7" but i dont know if i can with takeing all the track off so it dosent get bent and i don't want to do that yet

[jrbernier]

EMT49,

That 'waist' high benchwork can be a real pain. My original layout in my parent's home was built at 42"(the 'standard' suggested in MR back in the late 60's). The present layout has the benchwork set at 45"; with the base track elevation at 48", and rising to 54" in some areas. I am 5' 8" tall, and this works out great for most viewing/working on the railroad. When working on the 54" level I use a Rubbermaid workshop step stool to make this easier. Some of the layout is 30" deep and it can be a stretch to work back there, but I can reach the 2 turnouts installed back there. My main yard is at 54" and all 4 yard tracks are near the front - Very nice for viewing/operating.

Jim Bernier

[emdgp92]

I tore down my original 4x8 layout about 15 years ago. It was starting to sag in the middle, and was a pain to work on. It was a loop with sidings, and I wanted more switching action.

When I started planning my current layout, I decided all the "junk" had to go. I "retired" the last of the Bachmann F units, replaced all the sectional track with flextrack and #6 switches (which run Tortoise machines), and installed an MRC walkaround throttle. This layout is about 44" or so off the floor. Some might see it as too low, but I like it as it is.

[dragenrider]

Well, if it's any help, I'm about to tear my layout completely down and start over. I want more realistic operations and a sense of "going somewhere" plus I want to upgrade my technology as well. So, I for one see where you are going.

[Anonymous]

I asked myself exactly the same question a few years ago: retrofit or tear down? I tore the layout down and started over. Click on the link in my signature to see photos of the old layout. It took a while to steel myself to commit the act (the first blow is the hardest). It got to the point with the old layout that retrofitting was going to take more time than starting over and I still would have had a layout that didn't meet my goals.

Nothing has come easily on the new layout, but now two years out, I am happy with my decision to start over.

[fiatfan]

One of the most important points hasn't been mentioned yet.

Do you enjoy operating your railroad now?

I used to tear up my layouts frequently. I would base my design on some plan from MR. With the current layout, I put some buildings on the layout and started laying track to them. Build more buildings, lay more track. Now I'm to the point where I'm bashing buildings to fit odball locations that hadn't occurred to me before. I'm enjoying operating the layout and building "on the fly", so to speak.

Do you have a list of the features you would want (or change) on your new layout if you decide to tear it down?

Hope this helps.

Good lcuk on whatever you decide!

tom