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Post by ptc2 on May 13, 2023 21:58:33 GMT
Something that most of us face at one point. Lots of reasons for a restart, recent move, acquisition of more space, or you got tired of the old layout.
The teardown of the prior layout is never fun. But after that bit of unpleasantness, it is all positive. For me, the last teardown and restart was the most fun. I came at it with a great plan. I made it fun.
It will be interesting to see if any of our members are planning a re-do.
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Post by Adam on May 13, 2023 22:17:39 GMT
Not quite in the planning phase but I will transition to a larger layout once kids are out of the house and done with college. There are some spaces that they use today that I will claim. Probably about 7 years away from that which also coincides with retirement.
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Post by ptc2 on May 13, 2023 23:30:58 GMT
Good to be thinking ahead, Adam. This gives you lots of time for ideas.
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Post by firewood on May 13, 2023 23:40:42 GMT
Not a restart, but a little layout surgery. I added 2” in width to the outside of my 10’ x 13’ L- shaped layout. It gives me some extra clearance and space for my future overhead catenary plans. Using 2” foam for the layout makes add-ons (or subtractions) easy.
Dave
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Post by thebigcrabcake on May 13, 2023 23:57:27 GMT
I'm always tearing down and rebuilding. Never more than 75% of my layout is complete. I just have too many ideas and not enough time.
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Post by josef on May 14, 2023 9:16:19 GMT
A complete teardown in progress. Finding room to store track, structures and rolling stock is a chore in itself besides removing wiring. What has helped was selling all my military Flight helmets of which I had over 300 and has given me room not only storage but room for my new layout. Then its repainting the room before I even start building the new platform. As to track plans, rough drawing and the rest is in my head. I rather freelance with a plan to allow structures and scenery and something I didn't have before, bridges and elevation to be included. What I found was I knew I had switches, and used them before, just never realized I had so many, 27.
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Post by ptc2 on May 14, 2023 12:39:52 GMT
Good luck with this project, Walt.
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Post by Country Joe on May 14, 2023 20:14:04 GMT
I’m not planning a restart but may have no choice. I have been dealing with health issues for over a year that make taking care of our house very difficult. My wife and I are considering moving to a smaller home that is easier to maintain. We are looking at a house in a community that does all the outside work. We would just have to take care of the inside.
If we make this move I won’t have room for O gauge trains, not even a small layout, however there is about 2.5’x10’ along a wall in the den, enough room for an N scale layout. I’ll put a few shelves above the N layout and display my favorite O trains. I’d have to sell the rest along with all the buildings, vehicles, people, etc.
None of this is definite right now but seems likely.
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Post by Adam on May 14, 2023 20:17:10 GMT
Sorry to hear about that Joe. I will be praying for both you and your wife as you discern the situation.
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Post by Country Joe on May 14, 2023 20:23:24 GMT
Thanks Adam.
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Post by curtis on May 14, 2023 22:13:22 GMT
What was my local Hobby Shop before he closed, had a beautiful layout that looked like it was professionally done. He loved building buildings (all high dollar kits) and was a nut about accuracy. When he announced he was closing He had plans to tear the layout down. Everyone figured he never do it as it was beautiful and he had so many hours into it. For months after they closed his wife always told me he just couldn't do it. Then one Saturday, as I still stopped in and we just chatted, I went in and it was partially gone. He told me the hardest part was starting. As he had tried so many times to tear it down and just couldn't do it. Told me he stood in the same place with saw in hand for hours before he made the first cut. Once that was made it didn't bother him an more. Layout is gone and nothing took it's place. Real Shame.
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Post by harborbelt70 on May 14, 2023 22:43:09 GMT
Joe, I understand your situation and hope something better comes to pass. Most of my O scale trains are in fact display items although I will get out a couple to run tomorrow just to keep them limber. However I could not do without an AC transformer and track to see my favorites start up!
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Post by atsda on May 15, 2023 1:25:41 GMT
Joe, I can imagine how difficult the transition will be. I hope health improves and new possibilities come up. I will keep you and your wife in my prayers. Alfred
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Post by atsda on May 15, 2023 1:40:29 GMT
Firewood, Best wishes for the catenary construction. Emil, Sounds as if your layout is always a work in progress. Walt, Good luck with the re-do. 27 switches can make a good deal of action. Curtis, That was an interesting story. When you put so much time and yourself into a project, it is difficult to let it go. Harborbelt70, Keep sharing photos and videos of your train hobby. Alfred
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Post by atsda on May 15, 2023 2:58:26 GMT
Occasionally, when I experience frustrating problems with my layout, I have thoughts of starting over and getting the track system right. Then I Suddenly, come back to my senses and get the idea out of my mind. I am not up for a tear-down and re-build – I’ll keep making incremental improvements, modifications, and additions; although, I like the overall plan of the layout – and in the mean time, I’ll keep enjoying running trains – the re-do downtime would last too long. Alfred
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