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Post by chipset35 on Nov 3, 2019 1:23:16 GMT
Something you did during the previous construction that made you say to yourself: "Why the heck did I do that?"
For me it was not properly supporting the 2nd level and corners of the layout with proper bench work.
I guess I had thought those corners were just for show and nothing heavy would be placed on them.
And the 2nd level supports was just done too sloppy for my tastes.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2019 1:50:34 GMT
Good luck with this project Chipset. Click a few pictures. I'd like to see what the problem was.
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Post by ptc on Nov 3, 2019 11:39:52 GMT
Vince, it comes down to the fact that if you are not happy with it now, you never will be in the future.
Benchwork is the foundation of our layouts (pun intended) and if it is not correct, nothing else will be.
Start over. The time spent to do it will be well worth it in the long run. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2019 12:07:01 GMT
Sure have. About two days after I did it. And I still couldn’t figure out what I was thinking.
Sounds like you are making progress. Any pictures?
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Post by chipset35 on Nov 3, 2019 12:57:05 GMT
As soon as I get the basic trackwork done, hopefully today I will post some pictures. As usual the combination of a medium size bedroom and the need for a four line main dogbone shape layout has its challenges. The two NYC&HRR MTH Premier 4-4-0's (https://www.mthtrains.com/20-3154-1) and their passenger cars warrant at least 42' curves. I am having a hard time getting those dual 42' curves to fit without impeding access. The goal is no duck unders or crawling for access. Also, I want to represent at least one of these two features from the original New York Central and Harlem River Railroad:   |
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Post by Joe Saggese on Nov 3, 2019 23:28:28 GMT
Since I'm in the beginning stages of my layout this has happened. I have no problem taking it apart and doing it right. You'll be happier that way  |
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Post by dennym57 on Nov 4, 2019 8:47:15 GMT
I want to rebuild my layout which evolves adding another 4x5 section. I'm going to have to move a few things around and disassemble a couple of things. I'm still figuring it out.
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Post by bfi66 on Nov 4, 2019 13:49:06 GMT
I am considering doing a complete renovation also, due to seeing things I could absolutely do better but simply overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all.
-Pete
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Post by Adam on Nov 4, 2019 16:45:44 GMT
I consider my current (and really the first permanent) 4x8 layout to be my classroom. I am having fun learning as much as I can. As such, I have torn it down a couple of times to restart with the new things I have learned. The most recent restart was about 3 months ago when i decided I needed a different track plan so that I could run more than one train at a time.
So I would say that the initial track layout was my "What was I thinking??" moment.
On a side note, I do have plans for a more interesting and larger layout where i can apply all of the things I have learned and the inspiration received from many of my fellow OGF member's layouts. I was thinking to start the larger layout this winter but have since decided to hold off for a while (Child 1 enters college next year). My current plan is to build upwards with two upper loops. While it wont necessarily be scale/realistic, the current plan, if properly executed, will allow me to run 4 trains which is my favorite part of the hobby.
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Post by josef on Nov 4, 2019 19:40:19 GMT
Why did I do that? I remember a siding I put in were there was so slight of an downward slope. I didn't catch it, in fact put scenery around it and trees with a nice gravel road. Weeks later my engine went to drop 2 cars at the siding and as soon as I uncoupled, they raced down the slight slope falling over an embankment. Had to tear everything out and redo the siding to level it.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2019 0:56:26 GMT
Pete, ask yourself this: Is it worth it to do over, and will I be happier/enjoy the layout more because of the redo? If so, take it a step at a time and enjoy the process.
Andy
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Post by Traindiesel! on Nov 5, 2019 3:01:08 GMT
As I was dismantling my layout for the move I thought the same thing as the moment I built it. "Why the ^#@*!(*# did I build this so wide?" At the time I figured, what could go wrong?!!
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Post by bfi66 on Nov 5, 2019 3:43:27 GMT
As I was dismantling my layout for the move I thought the same thing as the moment I built it. "Why the ^#@*!(*# did I build this so wide?" At the time I figured, what could go wrong?!! Thats my problem now, when i built it I was a lot nimbler and agile....with age it is getting harder to reach wider areas that I built onto the layout I could easily maneuver to a few years ago.......my thinking exactly “what could possibly go wrong” way over there! Lol! Pete |
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Post by Country Joe on Nov 5, 2019 21:43:18 GMT
I had that "Why did I do that" moment not while dismantling but finishing my current layout. My layout is a big E against 3 walls with an elevated residential area over the middle of the E. This is the plan. The 3 track yard doesn't exist right now but is a possible addition.  The loop in the middle is the elevated residential area. My benchwork is 1x3 lumber with a 1" thick extruded styrofoam top covered by 7/16" carpet padding and toped with Woodland Scenics Green Grass vinyl mat. The upper level is all 1" extruded styrofoam, no wood. When I first built the layout I considered a number of different upper levels and made the lower level of the middle of the E the same as the rest with a foam, carpet padding and vinyl mat top. When I finally decided on the upper loop as shown I didn't remove any of the table top under the raised area. I cut 1" foam pieces as supports and glued the 1" foam top to the supports. It's amazingly strong and easily supports the trains, buildings and whatever else I might put up there. My DUH moment came when wiring the buildings on the upper level. I designed the supports so that I could remove the fascia to get to a derailed train if necessary but I didn't allow for any way to get to the wires dropped from above. I did manage to wire the buildings but it was a royal pain. If only I'd planned ahead and left some access holes underneath the upper level. Oh well, if I ever build another layout I won't make that mistake again. I'll find all new mistakes to make on the next layout. |
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Post by chipset35 on Nov 6, 2019 10:18:28 GMT
Joe, how do you keep the turnout on the curve from engaging and derailing your cars?
I had a turnout set up like yours on a curve and it was an MTH REalTrax, which would auto engage when cars passed over it but only on curves like you have it.
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