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Ben's Model Railroad Workshop
United States
Приєднався 9 гру 2018
This is my third HO scale layout that I have created over the past 15 years. I don’t profess to be an expert, but I have a lot of tips and tricks that I have learned from other model railroaders that I use and share with you as I advance through the stages of this project. In these videos, I take you through the stages of planning, construction, track design and layout, wiring, scenery and much more. Take a peek and share your thoughts!
Creating Rocky Falls Pond
I took a plain-looking area of my layout and created a creek that leads to a rocky falls and into a pond. In this video you'll see everything from the planning process all the way to the final scene that was created. Demo, plasterwork, painting, liquid pour creating the creek and pond, lighting, trees,...it's all done in this video!
Переглядів: 137
Відео
Inventory, Derailments, and More!
Переглядів 4015 місяців тому
Welcome! Several different topics are presented in this 10 minute video, including: 1) Importance of recording a MRR product inventory, including my process 2) Simple steps to take that will help avoid derailments and decoupling 3) The value of reading those old (1940's!) issues of The Model Railroader Plus....I have a a request: I'd like your ideas on what I should do with a strip of scenery o...
Two Methods For Making Great Looking Trees
Переглядів 2368 місяців тому
I love making trees for my HO scale layout! In this video you'll learn how I make two of my favorites. You'll find these methods to be an easy, affordable way to make great looking trees.
Adding Fascia and Skirting To The Layout
Переглядів 686Рік тому
With the majority of work completed on the 9 scenes of my HO scale layout, it's time to add some finishing touches. In this video you will see how I added both fascia and skirting around the framework, producing a finished appearance to the layout.
Building A Covered Bridge
Переглядів 1,1 тис.Рік тому
On my layout, Whispering Creek feeds into Lake Shelby. I wanted a covered bridge that would cover the track that runs between the two scenes. When I realized I could not find a pre-built bridge, I decided to pull out the balsa wood and try building it myself! Watch this quick video to see the steps I took to design, build and install the Whispering Creek Bridge. Check out the clips at the end o...
Ridin' The Rails
Переглядів 2,8 тис.Рік тому
Something different for you today. Sometimes while running the trains, I'll play guitar. Here's a song I wrote while my crew was "Ridin' The Rails" one evening. Also, a shot of my scratch build tree house, modeled after one I helped build when I was a kid.
2022 Layout Tour
Переглядів 6 тис.2 роки тому
Four years in the making, my 3-line HO scale model railroad is nearly complete. Take the tour to see the completed nine scenes and watch the trains run through them while learning some trackside facts about the layout. Also, get the engineers point of view as you run through some scenes, and see the three things I'm really glad I did in the design of the layout.
3 Line Train Run
Переглядів 5673 роки тому
A short video showing the running of all 3 lines on my HO scale layout.
Video #14 Making Trees For Golden Pond
Переглядів 7843 роки тому
Making your own trees can be easy, fun and inexpensive. Learn how I made my own trees for the Golden Pond Mountain scene. In this video you'll get a quick overview of how I made the mountains, followed by the step-by step process I use to make the trees.
Video #13 Ballast Best Practices
Переглядів 1,4 тис.3 роки тому
Using ballast on track can add a nice realistic touch to your layout, but it can also be a tricky and messy project. In this video, I share the best practices I have learned about the tools and process that make adding ballast a fun, easy project for anyone, regardless of skill level. As I say, "Trust me - If I can do this, so can you!" The video also includes some nice "zoom-in" clips that all...
Video #12 Shaper Sheet, Track Painting and Ground Cover
Переглядів 1,2 тис.3 роки тому
In this video I demonstrate how I used Woodland Scenics "Shaper Sheets" on a section of my layout. I also explain how and why I painted the track on the 3rd line and I provide some tips on applying ground cover.
Video #11 Installing The 3rd Line
Переглядів 1,3 тис.3 роки тому
Follow along as I plan and install the 3rd track line of my HO scale layout. You'll get some good tips on both the importance of making a plan before beginning the process and the importance of remaining flexible, adjusting the plan as needed. Also, my thoughts on why I changed the initial plan from a 4% incline to a 2% incline. Some nice video of all 3 trains running at the end. And coming in ...
Video #10: Scratch Build Of The Trestle Bridge
Переглядів 76 тис.4 роки тому
I needed to add a 36" curved Trestle bridge for the 3rd line of my HO scale layout. I wanted to buy a kit but the few that I found online were "out-of-stock" with no indication of when they would be available! So, I decided to build my own bridge from scratch. I've never built anything completely from scratch before, but I was excited to give it a try. I really enjoyed it and had a lot of fun! ...
Video #9 Creating The Schoolhouse and Park Scenes
Переглядів 2,8 тис.4 роки тому
In this video you'll see how I created the last two scenes of my layout - the Hazel Dell schoolhouse scene and the Grill & Chill Park scene. I have included a musical intermission half way through the video for your enjoyment, and at the end you'll watch the trains run through the new scenes.
The Social Distance Song
Переглядів 1594 роки тому
A little song that reminds us....as hard as it may be .....to embrace Social Distancing. It's what we gotta do!
Video #6: Scene Updates, Wiring and Scene Lighting
Переглядів 8135 років тому
Video #6: Scene Updates, Wiring and Scene Lighting
Video #5 - Whispering Creek and Golden Pond Forest
Переглядів 1 тис.5 років тому
Video #5 - Whispering Creek and Golden Pond Forest
Video 3: Risers, Roadbed and The Big Mistake
Переглядів 13 тис.5 років тому
Video 3: Risers, Roadbed and The Big Mistake
Video 2 - Track Layout Design and Process
Переглядів 1,7 тис.5 років тому
Video 2 - Track Layout Design and Process
It was very reassuring to see that you made a mistake!
LOL, you have no idea how many mistakes I've made on this layout! But, that's part of the fun in the hobby, always learning! Thanks for the comment!
Great video…gotta lot of tips for completing a water scene on my layout
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful. Good luck on your water scene!
Very nice! Made that entire area 'pop'.
Thank you!
Looks great! Saving this video for when I do my creek. Mine is not as long and more desert so less water but you definitely covered the basics for me to follow. Thanks for another great video.
Ben, that was a very nice project and it turned out very well. I enjoyed following the steps and seeing the progress of your work. A layout is never really finished, is it?
You are right about the layout never being finished! I guess that's the fun in it! Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the video!
I used to scratch build R/C model boats and when staining multiple pieces or parts.. I used to pour the stain into a small flat oven tray/aluminium roasting tray and lay the item into the stain let it sit for a minute or so then remove it or turn it over if I didn't have it deep enough to cover the whole piece... it makes for a quicker and easier process other than painting each piece with a paintbrush and I was able to do something else while this was happening... Your Trestle bridge looks fantastic. I will be making something similar for my layout once I get to that part of the layout.
Hello, thanks for the comment. I thought that by using the stain gel hand-brush method it would provide an uneven, yet realistic, look to the wood. However, once completed and placed on the layout I found it was positioned so that you can't really notice the look I was going for. So I agree with you, using the tray method you describe would have basically given me the same result in half the time. Lesson learned for my next one!
[thank, you for you're helpful video]👍
Great job, looks great on the layout
Still an inspiration! Reason being, it shows you can make a mistake and fix it without ruining the whole layout! Looks great, by the way!
Thanks, that is exactly why I did that part of the video. Just to remind folks, especially those doing their first layout, not to be discouraged when you mess up. We are bound to make mistakes, but it's OK, that's how we learn. I can tell you - I never made that roadbed mistake again! Thanks for watching and also for your comment.
upside down roadbed, im gonna use that excuse next time wife ask me not to spend so much time in train room😚...Nice layout nonetheless, glad ya sorted it out.
LOL, thanks for the comment!
I'm in the early stages of planning a scratch built wooden trestle for my layout. This video was extremely helpful! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
that bridge is a masterpiece, great job sir.
Thank you, it was a very fun project!
This video is legendary. Very appreciative of the fact that you included the specific materials list. Thank you!!!
Thank you, I'm glad you liked the video and found the listing of materials helpful!
Marx guy here, at 76 I `ve only been R/R for three years. After viewing Benz Trainz, I dug out of the attic my Dad`s Lionels that were in storage since 1960 and began cleaning and lubing. He had three engines, six cars, his own hand made buildings and bridge that I value, and considerable track. I got the Marx vintage tin bug, thanks to Benz. To date I`ve built a dozen custom Marx loc. from E-bay parts purchases. Now I`m working on video train runs with 1940s-50s big band background music. Your`s is an outstanding layout, it doesn't need improvement, just don`t run the loc. too close to the table edge.
Thank you! Glad to hear that you are back into the hobby. I'm 71, and I find that working on the layout helps to keep my mind sharp.....or at least sharper than if I wasn't doing anything at all!
Enjoy the videos very much. I suggest a small stream with rapids and lots of rocks. From the looks of what you showed there now it shouldn’t be too much of a change and it would give you the opportunity to add a fishing camp, an old mill or anything related to a steam that could had been bigger at an earlier time. I am sure regardless of what you’ll do it’s going to look great. Good luck
That is not only an awesome idea, but as I think about it, it would be a lot of fun to create! Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts, I really appreciate it!
Great! I hope if you fallow through with the idea and make videos of how you do it. I’m learning and creating my own layout and I plan for a stream so that would help me. Thank you for considering my suggestions. Best of luck
Hello, just an FYI, I've completed the scene and just posted the video of it today. Take a look! Thanks again for the suggestion!
Very nice layout Ben. I'm enjoying your videos, thanks for sharing.
Thanks, I appreciate the comment. I've just about finished the layout, minus a few upgrades I'm planning for this fall. I'm starting to work on a 2024 video update to show what's been accomplished in the past two years, as well as sharing the backstories on the creation of the scenes. Thanks again for watching, glad you enjoy the videos!
That bridge is great, it is a center piece.
Thank you! It turned out better than I thought it would. It was a lot of fun to build. I'm planning to do another one, smaller and on a straightaway section of the layout.
Very impressive layout. TIP: When you make your train move, watch the speed. Trains don't move very fast. The speed you select should be to HO scale too. Great display though!
Thanks for the comment. You are right about the speed of the trains, slower is always more realistic. In future videos I plan to slow 'em down! Thanks for watching!
I like your Whispering Springs and Gold Pond. The product you used for both made it so realistic. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! It was a lot of fun. I'm currently making plans to upgrade the golden pond scene with more mountain structures, different trees, etc.
It’s more fun and rewarding to build something on your own..thanks for sharing…
It is a lot of fun, I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
wuaoooo congratulations
Hi thank you for sharing your video, I took lots of photos of your trestle bridge, I will be building trestle bridges for my N, OO, and G, gauge, I cant wait to get started, once again thank you and your bridge is awesome
Thank you, wishing you good luck on your project!
Like the attention of moss etc and that its not a repetitve rockside it looks semi organic like nature may do
Wow those trees look fantastic ❤
Thanks for visiting
Borderline giving me movie prop vibes. Just waiting to see something explode 😂
I totally feel if i got into the hobby scene making would be my primary focus. But same time the train part would get me lost fast. But as for creating a re creation or a dramatic scene would be my goal. Love that you shared a piece of yourself 🎉
Thanks!
What a wonderful voice 🎉❤
Thank You!
Ben, I just discovered your channel and have been watching your videos. I'm not very well "versed" in how to use UA-cam so please accept my apologies if I'm doing this wrong. I'm working on my second (and probably last) layout after retiring. My first layout was over 50 years ago and what fun it was! After "re-starting" my hobbies I realized quite suddenly that it's "not quite like it used to be". Hobbies seem to be a thing of the past. Anyway, I'm going to fill a 3 foot gap on my layout and you have a video that is exactly what I'd like to do. I have two mainlines running side by side. To make a double track, do I simply widen the deck or is there more to it? I know prototype trestles would require more structure. Do I need to do that on a trestle like the one you built? Thanks for your exceptional videos!
Hi Thomas, thanks for the question and also for vising my channel. If you are going to run 2 mainlines running side by side, I would suggest allowing a minimum of 3 inches between them. If you add a trestle structure, I would recommend a minimum of 8 inches between the lines. I agree with you, things have really changed in this hobby over the years, but like you I find it's still a ton of fun! I hope this answers your question, and please feel free to keep in touch with any future questions or comments. Thank you!
its very nice looking but covered railroad bridges usually are a bit taller and have more trusses like a town lattice or double lattice but over all, you did a nice job.
Hi, you are correct, it's not 100% to the prototype. This was my first attempt and I was learning as I progressed. On my next one. I'm going to strive for better detail. Thanks for the comment!
Plaster cloth is all the same basic product so find the cheapest and use that, it's all basically the same... You made a mistake so why not edit it out and re-shoot???
Thanks for your comments, David. I agree, for the most part all plaster cloth is the same. Regarding the mistake I highlighted in the video, many people have sent me messages describing how easily you can get discouraged when making mistakes while learning this hobby. I purposely left the mistake in the video to make the point that we all make mistakes, and when we do, don't get discouraged, just keep pushing on. Thanks again for watching and for your comments, I appreciate it!
Kudos! Very informative indeed.
Thank you, I appreciate the comment!
Really nice job - I just watched all the videos. Very cool seeing each scene come to life. I thought the pace and the detailed camera work was really great for somebody who needs to know the details of the hobby from start to finish! Unfortunately I don't have the space for something like this but it is really cool to watch the entire process. Thanks for the time and effort you put into this - and great job!!!
Thank you Eric, I appreciate your comments! I've had so much fun designing and building this layout, with more still to come. I do get quite a lot of comments and questions emailed to me and I really enjoy trying to help people out. Thanks again for your comments!
That makes a nice, clean looking layout. Excellent work. Now on with running your trains👍
Thank you!
A couple questions did you solder each section of track and are just running DC power. right now my track is flat, but want to put in risers. I have a lot of brass track with some dating back to 1958 when I got my 1st HO set. The current track down is grey power-loc, I have some steel and silver nickel, I inherated my old trains from my younger brother just before he passed away from cancer, plus what he added.
Hello, I am running DC only. I found that when running DC, and you have long runs and want to add grades (risers) to the run, it is not necessary to solder feeders every 3 feet PROVIDED you do the following 3 things: 1) Have 2 terminal tracks on each line, space them out, one at the beginning and the other at the half-way point of the track run. 2) Use 18 Gauge wire to run power from the transformers to the terminal tracks. This heavier gauge of wire carries more power to the track.3) The size and type of transformer used also makes a significant difference in how much power is getting to each terminal track. I use MRC TECH 7 ampac 780 transformers. As for the track, everyone told me not to re-purpose the old brass track. I did anyway, and aside from having to clean it more often than the Nickle track, I have had no problems whatsoever. As you have probably discovered, most of the "old" stuff was built to last! If you clean up the old track you have from 1958, chances are it will still give you many years of dependable use. Thank you for the questions, I hope my answers are helpful. Good luck!
I love these videos that are by real people not trying to make a buck. You’d think by now people wouldn’t take 3 minutes of video telling me to like and subscribe.
I agree. I document my train building stuff just for fun and if others can benefit from it, so much the better. But for me, it's all about the fun of the hobby. Thanks for your comment!
I gotta agree with this. I left the hobby for about 5 years and on my return I learned that lots of model channels are sell outs or sponsored. Highly disappointing
@@JaysTrain08 Just for for my own research...I currently have a channel similar to this one, no promotion or anything, but have considered benefiting from the ads that I have no control over anyway, and then using those funds to help support the layout. Would you consider this "selling out?" It won't do me any good to build a following so I can earn money for the layout, and then lose half of it because of more ads during my videos. (I have no idea if there will even be more ads). I'm definitely not going to have paid subscriptions for my channel...I don't want the pressure of having to do fancy production to make paid subscriptions worth the monthly fee.
great job on the trestle bridge. Ben, I have made my project based on your tutorial, it was a great help. Thank you and best regards
Thank you! I'm glad you found the video helpful!
Very creative! Nice to see you back at it, Ben 🙂
Thank you, it was fun to build!
Wow, that covered bridge looks awesome. Nice work Ben! 😀👍
Thank you!
@@bensmodelrailroadworkshop Your welcome! 😀
The main 'rounds', the dowels, are called posts or pylons, or pilings. They are pile-driven into the ground until they resist any further driving. The angle the outer pairs have on each side of the frames is called 'batter'. The angle of the outer posts would typically be between 24 and 28 degrees from vertical. The frames, with five or more posts and sway braces, are called 'bents' or 'bent frames'. The top beams running across the tops of the bents are called caps. The stringers run along the major axis of the tracks and supporting decking. Below them, also running that way, and supported by the caps at each piling/post height, are 'girts'. Finally at the very bottom of the structure, is what is most often a 'mud sill'. It's simply treated, robust, timbers embedded into crushed rock and soil, and that is what supports the entire structure. One mud sill under each bent, except where pilings are driven 10-15 feet into the ground.
This is great information, thank you for sharing, I appreciate it!
Very nice resource, and very nice product. A gentle correction, if you don't mind: the first part of the name of the wood rhymes with the common name for my backside.
Very nice! I am new to your channel and I just subscribed. Awesome layout! 👍
Thank you!
@@bensmodelrailroadworkshop your welcome Ben
Love this your an artist
Great work you are amazing
Thank you very much!
Love it
Thank you!
Love your videos
Thank you! I enjoy making them.
Great job brother
Thanks 👍
very good, I'm a disabled vet that doesn't get out much. You just thought me something. Thank You.
Espectaculares los trenes. Saludos desde Chile 🇨🇱, Sudamérica.
Amazing layout! From seeing the Tech 7 controllers, I infer that the layout is DC-powered. Is that correct, and do have separate wiring blocks for each of the 3 lines? Thanks Ben!
Hello Rob, thanks for the question. Yes, it is a DC layout. Each of the 3 lines have two terminal tracks providing power. Each terminal track is positioned at the halfway mark on each line, so I get an even distribution of power. The Tech 7's provide enough power to each line to run the trains so I don't need additional power sources. However, some of my lights are wired directly to the "accessory" connection on one of the Tech 7's and I think that is draining some power from the track, so I'm working to add another small transformer that I can use just for the accessory connections. My winter project!
@@bensmodelrailroadworkshop Thanks! Good luck with the project!
looks good nobody is perfect we all make mistakes! thanks for the tip about the plaster cloth, i just brought one just now i didnt know we need it as well i was concerned about what is the easiest way but that is perfect
Matthew, I'm glad you found the video helpful. That's one mistake I won't be making again! Thanks for the comment!