tearing down my layout for move

IF you aren't changing anything, paint each wire running between two separate modules a different color--what color doesn't matter so long as there is no duplication.  Cut in the middle of the paint patch.  Reconnect like colors with your method of choice after reassembling the modules.

You could also purchase a book of stickers.  These books are sold in the electrical section of Home Depot and Lowes.  They're about the size of a 3x5 index card and have a multitude of self stick, durable strips inside.  Each strip is numbered and some are lettered.  Simply place let's say a 1 on each side of where you want to cut a wire.  When you get to your new home look for like numbers and hook 'em up.

https://www.amazon.com/Wire-Ma...4531410831&psc=1

Plan "A" for me would be to scrap the wiring and rewire when reinstalled. Every added joint will be a possible point of failure in the future. If you have a modular construction, you can cut your wires and land them on a terminal strip. 

Plan "B" strip the present wiring and use it when rewiring. Some, but not all wire would be replaced in this scenario.

Plan "C", buy a wire label printer and put a label on each side of each cut. That's going to be a lot of work, and potentially very frustrating when you try to match things up later.

Just checked out your video for context. That is a fun layout. Thanks for sharing.

How many sections are you breaking down to? How many wires cross each section? Your control and connection panels suggest this will be a big job. I second the idea of electronics-dept label sets, as those little stickers are designed for wire. Custom label makers are more descriptive but if you do small labels they might come undone.

I'd take a lot of close-up photos before, during and after the labeling, cutting, and separation. You never know where you'll need the reference, but you're sure to find places where you're studying some of those pics for re-assembly.

As Gilly suggested mark and terminate your cut wires in terminal strips on each module side and you can easily reconnect with jumpers. Been there done that!  But bottom line I feel that complete rewiring is about as easy and likely more effective from quality standpoint. Good luck and happy railroading

Brian, Personally I am in favor of the rewiring avenue as well.  Second, if your wiring is fairly neat, the labeling and cutting method would work.  For me, I'm with Dewey, a complete rewire would be much more systematic and save headaches.  No matter how well I labeled, there would be something I get mixed up on.

Brian,

   I agree with Gilly on this one, scrap the old wiring and start with new wiring, use some of the original wiring where you can.

PCRR/Dave

Thanks for ALL the replies. Scrapping is something I did not think of, BUT I do agree that this would be the best method. At this point I am not even sure if I am going to use Fastrack again. My ultimate plan is to have several tracks (4-5) going in different directions and going far down the line. I do not want them to get back to me as quick as they do now on my Lazy L.. I want them to be gone for awhile, sought of.. I am also thinking lightly of going digital for the controls. I am such a old fashioned kinda guy and I like the feel of the controls to go fast or slower. I am also thinking (shopping around) for other types of track as I will be purchasing miles of new track for the new layout.

So much to think of and soooooo much time to play and think..

I will keep you guys posted as to my decision.

Thank you all once again.

Brian

Hi everyone !

Today I visited my local train store (Grzyboski's) to talk with the guys about different track brands, prices and durability of each. I explained what type of layout I am planning on building and what type of trains I own now and what I plan on buying in the future. I would like to have at least One Big Boy train so that would mean I have to have at least 72 degree curves which I have plenty of room for. I thought even If I just make a separate track for the bigboy that would work out, I guess.

I am going to start looking at plenty of finished layouts and then start to use a design software program to mess with layout designs and room dimensions.

I am not sure as to what I will do in reference to walk around, crawl under (not my favorite choice anymore) or lift gates where needed.

I have plenty of time to decide so much stuff. I was told I can run all my conventional trains even if I go digital on the complete layout. One thing for sure I am going to tear this layout apart and start from scratch on the new layout.

Keep ya posted and thanks in advance for all your help with the Lazy L..I am gonna need more help once I start again..

I can't wait..

Brian

Sounds good, Brian!!!

I am starting over at 62!! 

Mark Boyce posted:

I am starting over at 62!! 

I'm starting over at 75!

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

I am starting over at 62!! 

I'm starting over at 75!

Wow, now I don't feel so bad.. Starting over at 69..... lol

Woodson posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

I am starting over at 62!! 

I'm starting over at 75!

Wow, now I don't feel so bad.. Starting over at 69..... lol

The senior layout building club!!!  LOL

Seems like you've got enough room in the new place to set up the old layout and use it as a test benh and place to run trains while embarking on the long journey of building the new layout from scratch.

Senior Club sounds Great !!

I am going to completely take the original layout down and save all my scenery, houses, tunnel and so on..

In the meantime I am going to start reading up on how to best wire the new track for Digital Control as well as Conventional.

Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year to All !!

Brian

BrianEso posted:

Senior Club sounds Great !!

I am going to completely take the original layout down and save all my scenery, houses, tunnel and so on..

In the meantime I am going to start reading up on how to best wire the new track for Digital Control as well as Conventional.

Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year to All !!

Brian

 

I think you made the right decision Brian.Salvage what you can pack it up and start over when you get settled. The new layout you build will be better then ever. You will thank yourself. Merry Christmas. Nick

Brian,

Please save the tunnel with mine worker scene. I always enjoyed that. 

I wish you best for the new year with a new start. Moving is always disruptive, no matter how well planned. 

Merry Christmas

Brian's Tunnel

https://ogrforum.com/...on-inside-the-tunnel

Mark Boyce posted:

Woodson posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

I am starting over at 62!! 

I'm starting over at 75!

Wow, now I don't feel so bad.. Starting over at 69..... lol

The senior layout building club!!!  LOL

New member of the club at 67 ! - https://ogrforum.com/...ruction-phase?page=1

Keep after it and you'll get it done - lots of help here on the Forum.