How do you quit second-guessing your track plan?

[otiscnj]

When do you stop planning and building a layout/design? Based on my experience, its a continual process/never. That's one of the problems I currently have-I've been redesigning my track plan for years now for what I've thought will be my 'ultimate layout.' I've constructed and re-constructed portions of it over the last 5 years or so, and still don't have anything that runs. About a year ago, I finally got tired of constantly re-doing what I'd built in the basement, and went back to one of the first plans I came up with, when we moved into our new house about 5 years ago. Another issue as to why I haven't gotten further along with the build is that when we moved in, I decided to utilize an Ikea storage system, and basically build a good portion of the layout on top of these components. that has resulted in some certain limitations in terms of the design, which I wouldn't have, if I used a more conventional construction method.

Another consideration has been that I've been looking to get to the point, where I actually like the design I come up with, and can actually build it, which has extended the planning process, as although I have a large space for the layout, there are a lot of scenes I want to include relatively realistically, which quickly uses up what real estate I have. I've also considered the idea of building the layout in sections, to having something running, quicker, or having someone build a portion of the layout for me, but that last choice gets expensive really quickly.

The bottom line to me has been to do enough itternations of the plan, so that I get to the point that I'm satisfied that I've considered the best options for the space I have, then proceed to build what I've designed. FWIW, I've still working to improve my process.

 

[new guy]

Shouldn't we petition the US Senate to make a law that every dwelling must include a 48X60 space that is designated for railroad layouts?

You going to run for President next time? You got my vote already!

 

[montanan]

I never had a track plan drawn out when I was building my layout, but I did know what I wanted for a layout. My choice was to go for a switching layout. I also like yard and engine facilities. The final decision was made to build a point to point layout with a yard and engine terminal at each end. I built the layout in sections, using 1x4's for bench work in 8 foot sections just in case the layout had to be moved. (ain't gonna happen now as we have no plans at all to ever move)

When I started, I was hand laying my track and turnouts with code 70 rail so construction was a bit slow. Eight feet of track was down so using a pair of alligator clips from a power pack, trains were running. Not far, but they were running. Slowly, more sections were added and then towns were planned along with the industries in the towns. I probably didn't get any scenery started during the first five years.

My layout was started over 30 years ago so I may have gotten off to a slower start than you. Scenery slowly started to cover the open cookie cutter bench work and trains were running. I finally built the last town and yard around 2 years ago. There were periods when no work at all was done for months or even years because we have no hobby shops at all in our area, but I could still run trains on what I had.

You do have a plan which is important. Before I even started, I know that I wanted to model the transition era. Knowing this, I never spent money on locomotives or rolling stock that wouldn't fit the time period. I know the area I wanted to model, which is right where I happen to live. I knew what industries the either were in the area, or could have been in the area at that time. Knowing this, I knew what type of freight equipment that I would have to have. Everything has actually worked out in the end and I have the layout that I originally wanted. I did screw up a few times and had to tear out some hand laid track because I didn't have the actual buildings, or at least the foot print of a building to know that everything would fit into a given space. Live and learn. School of hard knocks.

Having your plan is a great first step. It may take a bit of fine tuning, but I'm sure things will work out in time. Good luck with the layout. I will be waiting to see what you finally come up with.