Bill and others,
I have a modeling friend, who happens to be building a large Sn3 layout, who
said that you have to redo what you did over 10 years ago because your
skills increase. In some ways he's right.
Anyway, some of my own observations. I build benchwork in open grid
sections that are small enough to be moved if necessary. As a consequence,
I happen to some sections that have been around for at least 25 years and
are on their third layout (plus in storage twice). However, when I took
down my last layout, some areas where stripped down to the frame work and
other areas where left intact. Originally, I was planning to reuse some
things that took a lot of time to build, such as yards, but in the end I
discarded all the track and scenery, other than buildings, bridges, and
trees. It would have been easier not to have to move everything. The only
section remaining intact of that layout is a small section that was
removable to access the air handler.
Others have modified the same layout for several locations, but it just
didn't work for me.
The sectional bench work is something I do like, and still use that method.
For my current layout, I hardly had to buy any wood. I was able to use the
existing framework as is, or take it apart and use the lumber to build new
section. The exception was the legs, I decided to make this layout higher,
so I needed some longer legs.
Sometimes people forget that locomotives and rolling stock aren't the only
costs for a layout. I don't necessarily agree with Dick that scenery is the
most expensive part, but our definitions of scenery may differ. I've seen
people with a closet full of brass boxes whine about the cost of track
switch (turnout), especially when they realize they need more than two for
their layout. From my experience, I like detailed layouts, not just trains.
Sometimes for general layout stuff, I evaluate things in terms of brass
engine units. For example, would your second floor cost make your layout
better than the dollar equivalent of brass loco? Of course, you have to
have the money or give up something else. Another example, would a new DCC
system (or a lifetime supply of string) do more for the layout than another
locomotive?
Just some thoughts,
Dave Heine
Easton, PA
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