Track....Removal? Ripping up track on your Model Railroad

Sometimes starting over is the only answer; due to a poor track planning mistake, I rip up a few feet of track that will eventually make way for some new structures and rid me of track that was too far to reach or maintain on the layout.
Featuring Doug from Fos Scale Models.
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[@dnhman]

I’m a big fan of having streets go to backdrops at around a thirty degree angle vs ninety from front of layout

[@jdubb1973]

For the elevated section to the wall you should put a small mirror between a building on each side so the elevated track look like they go through the wall. Same with the highway overpass. Just a thought.

[@FourDollaRacing]

You should post a video.... Just a fact. 🤔

[@tamer1773]

Being from 1950's Elmhurst your layout brings back memories.

[@tommartin5]

Doug your videos are superb, the skill and insight you demonstrate are of the highest order. Keep up the good work and best wishes from the other side of the pond - much for us Limeys to learn!

[@FosScaleModels]

Tom, thx & thx for watching!

[@ChannelWright]

I love the “thinking man” Viceroy billboard!

[@tonybasile58]

You’re a true New Yorker Doug, tearing it up. I got tired just watching the video ! lol I grew up in Red Hook in the 50’s and 60’s I wish I had pictures of Court St., Carroll and union St. some great old buildings and signs back then. I’m sure the new addition will look amazing when it’s done There wasn’t that much graffiti in the late 60’s, but it was starting to look like layout !! Thanks for the video

[@skerbs7755]

Totally agree about ripping up track you don't like. I have done it several times and am so glad I did it. Thank you for your videos!

[@FosScaleModels]

Thx for watching!

[@mr.e1944]

If you mist your ballasted track with water, you can wait about half an hour and then just lift it up. That is if you used white craft glue. Wood glue is tougher, but it will eventually loosen. I use hot water for that and more time.

[@quantumsledgehammer1629]

Doug, you're a better man than me. If I had been leaning over those buildings, there's NO WAY any of those signs survive. I'd knock them over in less than a minute and the whole video would be one long *bleep* sound from my frustration trying to preserve the PG rating.

[@michaeljoyce4555]

A model rr is never done. You R a true Inspiration to me

[@anthonyshipman3611]

Very interesting video, always a scary decision to rip up something but it will be worth it in the end. Really enjoy your videos, all the best Anthony (UK)

[@BSNFabricating]

For reaching the far side of the layout, I built a collapsible "scaffold" about four or five years ago. It's a little hard to describe, but it's built out of steel tubing, and can be set up or taken down in less than a minute. The bottom extends underneath the layout, so there's no chance of it tipping over, even with a 200 lb person on top of it. I can climb on top of it, safely above buildings and scenery in a given area, and do what needs to be done in relative comfort -- and not worry about crushing something. When it's not needed, it can be disassembled and stored under the layout and out of the way.

[@wynorawishum5860]

Great ideas for changes. Have you looked in to the creeper stepladder from Micromark that lets you lie over the track. I really enjoy your videos, I feel you really know what you are talking about. Thank you.

[@FosScaleModels]

I've considered the creeper, but it's not that far a reach. I have considered welding my own version to fit the layout.

[@goforitpainting]

Cool as always 👍

[@michaelimpey1407]

Doug, thank you for the update on the layout changes, it is certainly making that corner much better. Removing track can be tricky depending upon how you fixed it. Cheers, and stay safe, Michael

[@robertsimpkins6571]

Looks like the old Redbank rail yard after it was scrapped

[@larrydee8859]

Thanks for the very informative, track removal update, Doug (Working on my HO , New York City subway and elevated layout; I'm now concluding that I'd prefer more cobblestone Street and building scenery, than excessive, hard to reach track). Thanks again for showing how you are removing the track . Your videos are always very informative. Thanks again for sharing.

[@FosScaleModels]

thx for watching, good luck with your elevated subway!

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Doug, first of all you could put some coasters on the little platform you showed in the beginning of the video. On the tracks in the back; in of your earlier videos you showed the R21’s on this ‘line,’ thought that looked the part. Considering the fact you now got the elevated tracks on the right, it might be too much subway. Nevertheless, if you could still use part of the background ‘line’ for an automated system running back and forth, it will make a great visual impression. Might be cool to submerge the subway ‘terminus’ close to the right hand corner of the layout. Cheerio

[@rollinwithunclepete824]

Drastic work! OK... I'm a road nerd besides being a model railroad fan. I think most model railroad streets have too many jogs in them. The road next to the retaining wall would more logically (to me) go straight (paralleling the retaining wall) to point of the other street past the overpass. this gives you a chance to create some real scenery depth with layering of buildings (all flats probably) on that upper level. Whatever you do... it will be great. I really enjoy your videos because they show that better ideas happen all the time.

[@FosScaleModels]

thx for watching; we'll see which way the roads go, don't think I'll know until I get right to paving them

[@randydobson1863]

hello For Scale Models & it's is Randy and i like yours cool & Thanks Scale Models Friends Randy

[@bobainsworth5057]

I'm surprised you use a chisel. I use a 1" spatula. Sometimes, like when you have a turnout, an 6-8" spatula. I also spray water on ballet and the wood glue softens. I have some track on 3' wide layout so I know of what you are going through. Love your work. Want to come down to So. Jersey and help? 😆😆😆. I used to ride over Newtown Creek on my way to work, many years ago. Good luck on your future projects.

[@FosScaleModels]

I should have used a flat spackle knife as I did further along, would have been able to save more of the flex track...

[@rohitkhanna]

Aaahh. So you just RIP it out. Clever !! GENIUS almost... who woulda thunk ?

[@robertsimpkins6571]

I miss all my N gauge rail ....thieves and arseholes took/conspired from me 😭

[@MarthallersMisadventures]

I would just cover it with foam and abandon that section of track

[@FosScaleModels]

I considered covering it, but wanted to re-use the pricey turnouts.

[@MarthallersMisadventures]

@@FosScaleModels That makes sense :)