...not happy now then maybe it is time to start over. Then again maybe you should get someone else to look at it...Fresh eyes and all that..

If you post something about what you have done, you will get good advice-- and you may help others avoid any mistakes you've made.

Everyone starts over from time to time, it's just part of the hobby.

pqe

" I'm thinking of starting over."

     That the common approach, most folks start over and over and over as they learn more skills and develop new interests.  Do you have a better idea for your space and resources? Do you now know how to solve what you don't like about the existing layout? If so a new layout could be rewarding....DaveB

Dear Joe,

OK, so obviously something is feeling _wrong_,
(I get that, we've all been there)

My question would be, have you formulated any set of Givens and Druthurs against which to work out what would be "right"?

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr

For various reasons I have had at least 10 layouts under construction over the years.  And as my interests have changed I have changed from HO to O to S and Class 1 to short line.  Frankly in the early years I was just happy to get the trains running and didn't really have any goals.  Over time I decided that a short line based on the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad was what I wanted.  And S scale was the scale for it.  So currently I have a 12x31 ft layout under construction (which can be expanded if desired).  I also have a 6x12 ft 3 rail O gauge layout that my grandson and I enjoy together - I change it frequently..

This is a hobby and if your current layout isn't working, then change it or start over.  Otherwise you will eventually just stop the hobby.

Good luck

Paul

I agree with Paul and others who espouse just dismantling it and doing something new. I have set a deadline of January 1st to start a tear down and "do over" for my point-to-point railroad. I can run trains and most of the scenery looks really good; however, something is "just not quite right." This has prompted me to pull out the two layout designs I've been carrying around in my files and figuring out a way to connect them.

Save what you can. Sit down with a sheaf of papers and examples and draw till you've come up with something that works for you. You will lose interest in the hobby if you don't. I've seen it too many times.

My present one took almost a year to build giving me many hours of enjoyment (that's part of what a hobby is for, isn't it?) and I suspect the new one will take longer than that which is fine by me. Thankfully, I am a member of a local club where I can run trains while working on mine. Even the club does "modifications" by adding and subtracting sidings and buildings etc. that are just not working out.

Go for it.

The majority of my "start overs" were driven by moves so they forced a reconfiguration. 

The biggest one I had was I had built a 12x23 HO layout based on the northern half of a RDG branch in SE PA.  Had the track in and actually had 2 or 3 op sessions.  But it wasn't tripping my trigger.

Decided that the problem with the layout was two fold :  Running trains from a staging track to a staging track didn't give me the feel of a "trip".  The train didn't have "closure".  The southern staging was on a level below the main level.  I was never found of having to search for your train in a "subway".

That prompted the desire for a change.  Since I had always liked early railroading 1890-1905, I went in that direction.  Ripped out the 1950's era layout and redesigned a single level layout with visible staging that covered the entire branch, set in 1900-1905.

Got about 60% of that layout built, then moved again, now rebuilding that era and locale in a bigger room.

envision what might be, usually works for me. 

Yes I have lost the vision, usually this happens at a point when the layout is in the initial state without a lot of structures or scenery.  Sometimes it's the era, I tried modern but I enjoy steam or maybe the style, industrial switching just didn't offer the scenery I wanted.

But what really helps me define what I want, is just running a train on what I have.

In everything I do I always discover a better or different way to do it. Being willing to start over is giving yourself the freedom to try again. Sometimes perseverance is key, sometimes throw in the towel and start over. You gotta know when to hold em'. Only you can answer the question but from what you are saying, I get the feeling a redo is the best way to get what you really want. Some excellent advice has already been shared here. The Prof's givens and druthers is an excellent starting point for something new that will satisfy and excite.

Hi Joe,

I've had to 'reboot' my layout only because I moved to a smaller space. This was challenging but researching the industries and structures in different towns and redesigning the track plan, hence in the smaller space has been quite enjoyable. Also, a smaller layout allows me to hone my skills, work on track work, focus on smaller details and so forth. Btw, Pelle Soeberg wrote a series of articles in Model Railroader about starting over and a whole piece about dismantling his initial fine layout! which was hard to read at the time. ;)