Rebuild layout

[jtschweier]

So I need some help, I am currently running a DC 4'x8' layout. I would really like to switch to DCC and start running more than one engine at a time. I have work on my current layout off and on for probably 5 years now (I was young and had no clue what I was doing when I started). Its one of those layout kits from Woodland Scenics. The issue is with the current layout it is impossible to run more that one train.

There are a lot of things that I wish I would have done differently with my current layout but like I said I was young when I started. Also I will be going back to College soon and don't know how much longer I will be living in my parents house which is where the current layout is.

So is it worth it to tear down my current layout to try to build another one that is better than the current? or should I postpone it till I get my own place with enough space to rebuild bigger? (but who knows how long that will take).

[LoudMusic]

Assuming the layout is just one electrical block with no reversing loops, moving to DCC could be really easy and really inexpensive. You might just need to get the DCC controller and some decoder chips for the locomotives.

Your schedule is your business, but I think waiting for your own place before doing a full rebuild is a logical approach, and likely the most cost effective.

[Selector]

Some things are better deferred, but in the meantime, why not get the DCC part of it all down pat? Get your system and learn how it works. Get to appreciate all it can/can't do for you. Then, armed with that experience, and knowing what you need from your future dream layout, you can put it all together in a layout plan that comes very close to fulfilling all of your ideals.

I do favour waiting. Not forever, and not for the 'perfect' time or circumstances because they'll never happen...trust me on this one. But you can draw it all up, and write up some notes, and even take advantage of some nifty sales for things like turnouts, track, structures, DCC locos, etc in the meanwhile. You could even start to build an 'insertable' yard module to get some experience with a classification yard that can be imported into your build when the time comes...one task out of the way.

In the military, where I had my career, we learned to have concurrent activities...things that happened at the same time to save time. This is my message to you. It will keep your interests and learning keen, and when the time comes for you to begin to build, you'll have much of it done and ready to use.

It's a thought.

[LoudMusic]

A wise man once said ...

Originally Posted by Selector

I do favour waiting. Not forever, and not for the 'perfect' time or circumstances because they'll never happen...trust me on this one.

Don't wait for the right time, but know when is the wrong time.

Pick a project you can complete before you are consumed by school. And something that you can enjoy in small servings during school. Also, transporting a bigger layout becomes a bigger hassle.

You're going back to school - so go back to school in model railroading as well. Learn other aspects of the hobby with the existing layout that you can apply to a future grander layout.

[Burlington Bob]

Selector and LoudMusic have given some of the best advice you could ever receive. You would do well to heed it , Grasshopper.

[CPRFAN]

Originally Posted by jtschweier

So I need some help, I am currently running a DC 4'x8' layout. I would really like to switch to DCC and start running more than one engine at a time. I have work on my current layout off and on

You really don't need DCC to run more than one engine, there is the old DC block control method with DPDT center off toggles that would work ok for a small layout. But going with DCC with an entry level system would also have it's benefits.

So is it worth it to tear down my current layout to try to build another one that is better than the current? or should I postpone it till I get my own place with enough space to rebuild bigger? (but who knows how long that will take).

Go ahead and tear it down !, lots of people dismantle their old layouts and build better ones, you can too !

Alan