Rescuing and possibly restoring a Layout section

[Charlie B]

To repair it I would suggest attaching it to a piece of plywood that is squared off and then build around the damaged edges a couple inches, then you would be able to have a nice diorama that you could build in. I think it would be a shame to try to remove things.  If there is wiring or items underneath the section you bought you could make a plywood frame so only the edge areas can be repaired leaving access under the original section. If you look at it as repairing one thing at a time it isn't so overwhelming and it will add to you modeling pleasure. 
Charlie