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This came to me after my last post about beginning a layout. If you could start over using the same amount of money (you can adjust for 2012 dollars), what would you differently on your layout? Different track, different time frame, different layout etc. We all have learned the hard way in some things so I'm sure this will be easy to reply to.

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About the only thing I would do different is I wouldn't include DCS.  Conventional and TMCC/Legacy is enough.  

 

My layout is toy trainish, and I can modify it with ease since I use FasTrack and I don't have to screw down the track anymore.  Additionally, the electrical system has wire buses for each of the eight ZW posts running the length of the layout plus a ninth bus wire for lights.  All of the accessories and switches pass through disconnect panels so relocating accessories or switches is quite simple.  Almost all wiring connections are done with jumper cables with alligator clips.  

 

Since layout modifications are easy, I change my layout often.

 

Earl

I would have started off with "scale stuff" instead of "semi scale" and trading up. Probably would have gotten one of the Lionel "Empire Builder sets from a few years back. A nice O72 loop of track withO72 turnouts, a transformer with 2 180w bricks, command control system and a scale steamer and cars, one set even offered a TMCC crane. All of which I ended up with over time and seperately with the exception of the O72 radius, I stopped at O-60 It would have probably been a "better deal" getting everything in the set, as opposed to seperate.

I would have used Ross track and switches instead of Fastrack (too noisy and over time I have grown to really dislike the plastic roadbed, time for big boy track ). Like RickO, I would have gone into scale locomotives and rolling stock right off the bat. Finally, I would have incorporated a couple of passing/staging sidings into my layout. Other than that, I would have done everything else the same.

This:

 

 

Same space as my present layout, but using 096 or so curves on the outer crossover loop and 072 on all inner tracks.  This would allow me to run my passenger train(s) on wide curves.  My current layout has 072 outer loop and 054 inner.

 

I put a 22 1/2 degree crossover in on the lefthand side, but I may go with an up and over design (might have to move a few things around).

 

I would also build all the benchwork at one time instead of "making do" with what I had in the room at the time and cobbling pieces together when I lengthened the original route.

 

About all I'd have to buy new is the 096 (or whatever RCS/Gargraves has close) curved sections and a couple of turnouts.

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