I'm thinking about redoing my layout

Denny...you have a nice layout there...fight the feeling and spend your extra cash on it!  I too have this problem only in a different way...always want my layout to be larger...my basement has went from half mine(for trains)...getting close to all mine  But if you follow the bug and move on...let me know...you have a lot of fastrack that I use!!!!

Denny, I'm in the planning stage almost ready to build another, bigger layout. I'm using Atlas track ( got all the pieces) and Ross Custom Switches ( got all but 8). I think RCS has more switches than anyone else to select from. They provide an excellent product. I like the concept of solid rail that Atlas provides.
Ray.

Go for it.

Denny,

You designed and built it, lit it and have it all working.

 

Different track may change the look a little. Not enough to tear it down.

 

Only tear it down if you know why and have a plan.

 

Obviously, you can do better each time as your skills and knowledge grow.

 

You could probably increase a run session by 15 minutes to half an hour with some changes and reasonable additions.

 

Make a new Givens and Druthers list and see if that provides some direction.

 

here's a quick read to get you going.

 

Oh yeah, I like the layout.

Gargraves track and ROSS Switches!!!!

GO for it!!!!!

Denny,

 

My advice would be to sit down with track planning software and see what you might be able to design using different track.

 

Word or caution, however, if you consider Gargraves track with Ross switches, there may be no turning back as you might be amazed what track plans are possible given the huge variety of Ross switches!

 

Jim

Wow! Your layout looks great.  Much time, effort, and money went into building that.  My layout uses Fastrack and I like it.  It took me a long time for me to complete my track work.  It would be difficult for me to start over.  I like running my trains too much. Plus I end up spending my money on new engines and rolling stock.  Heck if you got the time and money go for it.

Denny,

 

I hear you on price of switches, as I have 17 of them on the current layout!  As I rebuild the layout, and move to larger diameter curves (O-72 & O-80), I will be selling all of mine and buying new ones as well.

 

You can save a few dollars (about $20) with manual switches with manual throws.  I use Caboose Industries manual throws on all of my Ross turnouts that are within easy reach:

 

 

Personally, I prefer the manual throws over the remote switches as I think it adds more fun to running my trains.

 

Jim

Gargraves & Ross goes together like mashed Potatoes & Gravy.  

Like the plan, put it on your bucket list, and make it happen. Good luck. 

Gary 

• Cheers from The

The big question is...will it make it better?

 

I've been thinking about tearing mine up and redoing it to replace the four 054 switches and all the 054 curves on the inside industrial siding track with 072 switches and curves.  The only thing that would really give me is the ability to run my passenger cars and E7s onto the siding track without derailments.

 

The other thing is I don't like my attempt at ballasting and scenery and would like to remove it all and start over.

 

Thing is, I have no reason to really run my passenger cars on the industrial siding track, my freight engines run on it fine.  As far as the ballast and scenery goes, I'd just as soon leave the ballast off (wish there was a laser tool so I could cut into my rubber roadbed so the track would sit down in it).  The scenery can be done simply with paint and a shaker full of Woodland Scenics grass and earth.

 

I use Gargraves flex track and Ross curves and switches, the Atlas track does look better IMO but those looks come at a price.

 

I've decided to "Let her ride" for now.  I'll work on some scenery as I add more detail to a given industry and if I decide to replace the 054 with 072 it'll be a section at a time.

 

I really don't feel like spending upwards of $2000 to replace it all when what I have seems to be working, especially when I'm unsure of the outcome (due to my lack of artistic ability).