I've been asked to help disassemble a large layout (its HO) today and would like some tips on how to cut it into sections doing the least amount of damage to the trackwork. It is sparsely senicked so that is not a major concern.
I saw a topic a few days ago on this subject but have been unable to locate it!
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The thread on cutting a layout in place:
A couple thoughts. If you are looking to reassemble the layout exactly as it is then a Sawzall with a long blade would do the trick. Sawzalls are good for rough work where straight cuts aren't necessary. Reassembling without change is a simple matter of bringing adjacent pieces together and splicing framing members back together. Like a jigsaw puzzle the pieces will fit together perfectly. Decking can be spliced as needed with blocks on the underside.
@Rich Melvin posted:
This works well on Train Stores too!
No mention yet how to best cut the track for easy re assemble?
HO track is pretty frail. How to do the least damage? The fella I was asked to help with this is new to trains and I don't know him at all. We're meeting at the house for the first time at 2 today. Will probably use a Dremel that I saw there the other day. A realtor friend asked to to advise them on this removal as the house was just recently sold. Layout has been sitting for several years since the owner passed. Wish I had met the builder some years ago as the layout is fairly large and themed on the Santa Fe.
@c.sam posted:HO track is pretty frail. How to do the least damage? The fella I was asked to help with this is new to trains and I don't know him at all. We're meeting at the house for the first time at 2 today. Will probably use a Dremel that I saw there the other day.
Dremel and taking out enough of a section of track to then be able cut whatever framing with a Sawzall with a fine blade will probably preserve things as long as the scenery is not plastered into a unit. May need hack saw blades on a single handle to carefully cut through everything. This all can take a lot of time depending on how much damage is acceptable.
Not something to rush into with power tools unless you want to take it to a dumpster.
A realtor friend asked to to advise them on this removal as the house was just recently sold. Layout has been sitting for several years since the owner passed. Wish I had met the builder some years ago as the layout is fairly large and themed on the Santa Fe.
Look also to see how it was assembled from underneath and if there are obvious assembly lines that might be useful for following with the sawing action. Also check to see how it may or not be anchored into the room walls or floor. Might also want to take a lot of pictures before starting and as you take things apart to be able to reverse that process.
Ripping out a layout is quick & easy; preserving one to re-assemble is slow & hard.
Dremel 
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