In my previous layout I removed and re-laid roadbed and track on a several sections many times until it fit with my goal of it looking realistic (as to what I would see in my job as an engineer from the cab). Along with looking like the proto type trains operated flawlessly on it.

Don't give up and get discouraged just keep trying and it will soon come together. Also keep in mind that most layouts usually don't last that long and many of those that do, shouldn't. Variety and change is a part of this hobby.

Barry

Thank You for all the great comments. A lot of good advice and I will definitely make good use of it.

I have a few ideas of how I would like to change what I've done. I've learned a lot since I started working on my small layout and I have ideas on how to improve it. I don't want to keep starting over and over but I would like to get it up and running better than it does now. I know I'll make more mistakes and that it takes time to develop a craft. I'm going to make a list of everyone's suggestions and go through them one by one.

Thank You Again

Joe

........you reached the "I'm not sure about this" point very early on where it would be relatively easy to start over.  A lot of us reach that point much later and are torn between starting over or making do as we have a lot of time and money invested.  As I am handlaying everything, I now wish I had done P-48 and On3 having maybe 2 Steam and early diesel locomotives each vs my O5 and On30 and about 25 locomotives.  The extra cost of the P48 and On3 motive power would be covered by the $$ saved for 25 sound decoders, 50 speakers and the time to do the installs.

One caution though.  You should get a fresh set of eyes to help you design the 2nd attempt because you will invariable try to copy the first design-it's human nature.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Peter

I'm thinking about the same topic.  Only problem is, I feel like I'm still learning on my current layout.  It's giving me a chance to learn more and make more mistakes before the next one.  I wonder if anyone else has followed this route? 

..........check out this string and any other with the word chainsaw in it.

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/3212

Peter

I did it, twice in the last 18 months, and I'm very happy.

I didn't like the first track plan, I studied on the new one for a few months then I ripped off the old and built anew.

Then, I had to do it again. This time I greatly improved the structure, and I made some minor adjustments to the track plan.

Read more on my blog: http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/blog/35932

It takes time but it's worth it. Never settle.

Guido

 "I made some minor adjustments to the track plan."

  Yeah, after running a few switching sessions I'm going to do the same with a switchback spur on my N scale layout. Much easier to find and make the changes before any scenery is built....DaveB

I have used a Track planing computer program called ANY RAIL 

I Highly recommend it,   it has loads of brands and scales of track to use, well scaled Track plans can be created and printed.  You can add dimensions and scenery, I have remodeled and started over my layout about 100 times on the computer, had fun in the process, and I am now pleased with my final result which I am half way thru constructing and it has saved me thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours. If I had started construction from my first plan ideas it would have been a disaster 

It can be downloaded for free for a trial version that will let you use 50 pieces of track which is ample for a single module/ small layout

here is an example of one of my modules I created in HO scale, PECO code 83 track,  

If you're not happy with the "bones" of your layout, then it is time to start over.  You can modify a bit here and there, but you probably don't want to end up with a Frakenstein.

XTrkCAD is free, allows you to design a layout of any size, and best of all you can run trains on it to see how well it actually operates. No limit on how many pieces of track. I used it to plan my layout, and then print the plan 1:1 to lay track. It has helped me avoid lots of issues and make improvements before actually laying any physical track. I've made some tweaks here and there while laying track, but the CAD plan really minimizes the need for that. 

But, the sooner you stop and fix things, the less time you lose. So, I'd go ahead and make your changes now. You'll just make them later if you don't, and lose more work. 

Randy