Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Removing the Track
Unplug the power pack and disconnect the feeder lines that run to the track to supply power in the sections you wish to remove, taking special care with the turnouts.
Evaluate the length of the track for relatively loose sections by probing beneath the ties with a flathead screwdriver and gently twisting the head. Continue down the length of each section.
Select the loosest section of track and pull as many of the rail nails out as possible with needle-nosed pliers, dropping the nails into a container with a lid. Continue to gently pry the track and pull nails until the track comes loose and can be pulled off the railbed by hand.
Pull the rail connectors off with pliers and drop them into a separate lidded container. Remove remaining nails and store sections of the removed track in a shoebox or similar container.
Repeat the process down the length of the section you want to remove.
Run a magnet along the area to pick up stray nails and connectors.
Vacuum up any loose ballast or damaged groundwork using a crevice cleaner attachment held approximately two inches off the surface to avoid damaging remaining landscaping.
Remove the Rail Bed
Test the railbed with the tip of the flathead screwdriver in a similar manner as you used to test the track, beginning at points where the railbed sections meet.
Dislodge one end of the loosest railbed with the screwdriver and peel back the railbed if it is made of cork strips. A Homosote railbed will not peel back but can often be pried up in large sections.
Insert a chisel under any resistant railbed with the flat edge of the blade facing downward.
Push the chisel by hand or tap gently with a hammer if necessary to dislodge remaining railbed and discard the debris.
Vacuum up the loose dust, ballast and other debris using a crevice cleaner attachment.