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Dan’s Grand Valley RR
United States
Приєднався 5 гру 2008
Hi, welcome to my channel! My content focuses mostly on smaller HO Scale layouts and 1:87 scale model railroading featuring the Woodland Scenics Grand Valley Layout and related products. We'll be going through updates and modifications to the layout, tips and tricks for newbies and those looking to get started in model railroading. We’ll also be working on model buildings and scenery work, as well as rolling stock mods, weathering, lighting and operating new equipment like locos, switches, lighting etc. For legitimate business inquiries, sponsorships and or potential product reviews I can be reached via email at: dansgrandvalley@gmail.com
Christmas Train 2024
My lighted Christmas tree cars and Christmas boxcars making an appearance for Christmas 2024!
Here is the full song used in the opening. I used Suno.com to make it.
suno.com/song/507afa13-ecd8-4b17-a3e1-b7aa6434126f
Here is the full song used in the opening. I used Suno.com to make it.
suno.com/song/507afa13-ecd8-4b17-a3e1-b7aa6434126f
Переглядів: 229
Відео
Just a Quick Running Video on the GVRR
Переглядів 626Місяць тому
Just a quick running video to let you know that everything‘s going fine on the grand Valley railroad, and everything‘s working and health is good and everybody’s fine. Just been a while since I’ve made any new videos, but I’m hoping to get a Christmas video out by mid November. Stay tuned!
HAUNTED Halloween Train Ride on the Grand Valley RR
Переглядів 185Місяць тому
It's that time of year again! Time to re-publish my haunted train ride from 2020! Sit back and enjoy boys and ghouls! Muahhahahahaha!!
New Opening Music
Переглядів 1673 місяці тому
I used Suno AI to make this song. The whole thing is over 2 mins. I’ll put the link in comments. New videos coming soon!
I Run DC Trains On My Grand Valley Layout For The First Time!
Переглядів 5636 місяців тому
You never know what you'll find at garage sales, second hand stores and Facebook Marketplace. I got a really nice haul recently and I wanted to go over it and share my finds with you. I also run some of the DC Loco I got on my GVL for the first time! Want A Dan's Grand Valley Coffee mug? Get it right here: dan-grand-valley-railroad.creator-spring.com/listing/new-dan-s-grand-valley-railroa?produ...
Installing Woodland Scenics Just Plug Street Lights Using An Expansion Hub
Переглядів 1,2 тис.7 місяців тому
If you’ve been watching my channel for any length of time, you’ll know that I’ve been meaning to install the street lights for over two years! Well this week, we’re finally getting around to it! Here’s the process and how they came out. They look pretty good to me! They’re a nice addition to a little village like this. I used the Woodland Scenics Just Plug street lights, light hub and expansion...
Train Show Haul, WS Lighted Police Car and Just Plug Street Lamps
Переглядів 3977 місяців тому
This week I'd like to show you guys what I got at the Rocky Mountain Train Show. I didn't go hog-wild, but I got a few vehicles and some cool lighted stuff from Woodland Scenics. In the next video I'll be installing the street lamps and placing the lighted police car. Want A Dan's Grand Valley Coffee mug? Get it right here: dan-grand-valley-railroad.creator-spring.com/listing/new-dan-s-grand-va...
Grand Valley Layout Wiring Using The WS Just Plug System
Переглядів 1,3 тис.8 місяців тому
After quite a few questions and requests to talk about wiring, here is a video explaining how I wired up my Woodland Scenics Grand Valley Layout. As you’ll see, I used Woodland Scenics Just Plug systems as well as some other brands and methods to complete my layout wiring. This is just an overview and review of how I did it. Of course you may do it differently on your layout, like running more ...
Field Trip To Travel Town, In Los Angeles.
Переглядів 1769 місяців тому
I’ve been wanting to get out to Travel Town in Griffith Park, Los Angeles for quite a few years now. Well, I finally got a chance to go and check out all the cool stuff they have there and what is still there from when I was a kid. See the link below for the info on all the trains at the museum and sit back and enjoy the video. Since I’m usually a man of few words, you’ll find the word “cool” s...
New Athearn Genesis CA-9 DCC Sound And Light Caboose Unboxing And More!
Переглядів 93010 місяців тому
This video we'll be unboxing my recent purchase of an Athearn Genesis CA-9 Cupola Caboose with LED lighting effects and Tsunami Sound! Also, check out the cool Mile High Rail Fair commemorative boxcar kit I got in the used section at Rocky Mountain Train Supply. Also, some nice entries for Fan Featured Fotos this week, check 'em out! UP Caboose Modding Video: ua-cam.com/video/87dZYk3oYEM/v-deo....
Grand Valley Layout Progress Update With Bill, F7 Cab Ride, And Running Trains.
Переглядів 1,3 тис.11 місяців тому
Grand Valley Layout Progress Update With Bill, F7 Cab Ride, And Running Trains.
Christmas Trains! Digging Out My Vintage Tyco Stuff, and A Nice Find At The Die-Cast Store!
Переглядів 462Рік тому
Christmas Trains! Digging Out My Vintage Tyco Stuff, and A Nice Find At The Die-Cast Store!
Thinking of Building The Woodland Scenics Grand Valley Layout? Here Are The Tools You’ll Need.
Переглядів 1 тис.Рік тому
Thinking of Building The Woodland Scenics Grand Valley Layout? Here Are The Tools You’ll Need.
It’s Christmastime! Putting Together This Year’s Christmas Train On The Grand Valley Layout.
Переглядів 418Рік тому
It’s Christmastime! Putting Together This Year’s Christmas Train On The Grand Valley Layout.
Considering The Woodland Scenics Grand Valley Layout Kit For Christmas? Things You NEED To Know!
Переглядів 8 тис.Рік тому
Considering The Woodland Scenics Grand Valley Layout Kit For Christmas? Things You NEED To Know!
We’re Back! Updates and Fan Featured Fotos!
Переглядів 528Рік тому
We’re Back! Updates and Fan Featured Fotos!
More Grand Valley Layout Fan Questions Answered!
Переглядів 1,1 тис.Рік тому
More Grand Valley Layout Fan Questions Answered!
Grand Valley Layout Fan Questions Answered
Переглядів 1,1 тис.Рік тому
Grand Valley Layout Fan Questions Answered
Solving Coupler Hangups and Height Issues on the Grand Valley Layout.
Переглядів 1,3 тис.Рік тому
Solving Coupler Hangups and Height Issues on the Grand Valley Layout.
Grand Valley Layout Special Guest Interview, and new "Fan Feature Fotos"!
Переглядів 394Рік тому
Grand Valley Layout Special Guest Interview, and new "Fan Feature Fotos"!
Grand Valley Layout and Upcoming Project Update
Переглядів 419Рік тому
Grand Valley Layout and Upcoming Project Update
The Top Ten Questions I’m Asked About The Grand Valley Layout
Переглядів 1,7 тис.Рік тому
The Top Ten Questions I’m Asked About The Grand Valley Layout
Restoring and Weathering an Athearn Vintage Flat Car.
Переглядів 679Рік тому
Restoring and Weathering an Athearn Vintage Flat Car.
Good overview and examples 👍. Enjoyed
@@NitroStarGT thanks Nitro! 👍🏼
Merry Christmas Dan to you and your family. Thanks for all the help this year!
@@EricsTrainCorner merry Christmas Eric. 👍🏼
This kit is being sold in Australia by one company but their price is ridiculous for what is mostly foam. Love the layout though and it's perfect for our needs.
@@Susan-gc6sy I agree Susan, it’s very pricey here as well! Check out this video I did a while ago, about building it without the actual kit. Thanks for watching! 👍🏼 ua-cam.com/video/91fLnhgZSpU/v-deo.htmlsi=XeZmfP_gIo_i_Bo0
Awesome ty Dan. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🥳.
@@robgarcia1377 thank you Rob! Merry Christmas!
I have a Woodland Scenic Ridge Layout that another person built for me. One caution. When ballasting the track be careful to not over do it. The pieces of gravel become stuck in the locomotives and brake the gears. Also, at turnouts be careful not to ballast them very much.. When it's glued down the glue gets into the turnout and they no longer work.
@@cliffkiehl2070 great points Cliff. Those are definitely important things to look out for and avoid! Thanks for watching! 👍🏼😎
That was cool!
@@markarnold8160 thanks Mark! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Dan!!
@@JSandage thanks Judy, to you also. ❤️
Model railroaders always add or change their layouts. It's part of the hobby.
@@cliffkiehl2070 indeed!! 👍🏼
What materials did you use for roadwork
@@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267 the kit came with plaster for the roads, downtown and industrial areas. I used it for the roads but discovered it was too hard to work with. So I used 1/4” foam boards for the downtown and industrial areas.
Going subscribe your Channel , Robert Flying crow like you , so I do too
@@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267 thank you so much! @FlyingCrow Robert is the man!! 👍🏼
Hey Dan, where did you get your Diesel Tank from? Is there a brand or model number? Thanks!
@@blackthidot I never found a definite name on it, but I think it might be old Tyco. I found it second hand at the Rocky Mountain Show a few years ago.
@@DansGrandValleythanks Dan! Keep on making it easier for the rest of us buddy!
What kind of rerailers are those?
@@CoasterFan2103-r3d Atlas Code 83.
Isn’t it pretty hard and pretty expensive to build? What’s your total cost including trains, track and everything that you show here.
Hi Bob, I wouldn’t say it’s hard per-se. Some areas are certainly more challenging than others, but I found it to be more tedious than difficult in different areas. The plaster cloth process makes a huge mess, and ballasting the tracks were some of my least favorite parts. Adding scenery and building the town models were some of my favorite. As for expense, well there’s definitely no denying that it is an expensive hobby. But the kit is a money saver, and also the city and industry building kit. To buy all of those model kits separately would probably triple the cost of the set. DCC Controllers and Amp Boosters, Locos and running stock are expensive also, no doubt. To put a finite price on what I have here is impossible, but I would guess around $3-5k.
How many hours does it take?
@@BobLay-t9i it took me about two to three full weekends to get it to the point where I could run trains on it. The rest, turf, trees, buildings and roads came along slowly over time. It is still not 100% done. Not sure it will ever be, but that’s what is nice about the hobby. You have something that you can continuously improve on. Thanks for watching Bob.
Great video, very informative thanks
@@Lonewolfe7586 thanks for watching.
Hey Dan what’s the length of your cars 6”?
Rob, most of my box cars are 60 footers, but there are a few 40 footers in there as well. 60 footers would be approx 8 inches in real life, and 40 footers would be 6 inches.
@ ty Dan Happy Halloween all. Sure wish they had more Halloween cars under $30.
Hi Dan I have been wondering what cars to buy so Ty. Have fun with Halloween. No snow on layout 😂.
Thanks Rob.
Good to see you Dan. For figures, I've been using Tacky Wax to fix them in place, both engineer/fireman for steam locos and people around the scene. It has a little more substance than just glue to keep them upright, but is also non-permanent if you want to move them around.
Very cool, thanks I’ll try it!
Glad you're doing well Dan!! Can't wait to see your Christmas cars rolling on the layout. Be well!
Thanks Eric!
Dan, great to see another video and glad to see the layout is running well. Definitely an inspiration. Thanks
@@RVA1954 thanks for watching! 🤙🏼
Welcome back!
@@johnathanlewis2049 thanks Johnathan! 👍🏼
Nice video and consist.
@@BriansModelTrains thanks Brian. 🤙🏼
Good to have you back, buddy!
@@billsandage thanks pal! 👍🏼
looks good and I have the same setup you have but I need the other track set up you have because I want to add the same but longer because I have a lot of cars and all.
@@computer5450 awesome! Thanks for watching!
Hi Dan, missed you. Curious as to what ever happened to that one locomotive you were having all the issues with turned out? Or did I just miss that video? Always enjoy, Thanks
@@mikechristensen2099 hi Mike. I sent it and a few other locos off to a friend in New Jersey to fix up for me. He got sick along the way and it has kept him from being able to finish them up. But he is on the mend, and we’re hoping he’ll be able to resume the work and get them back to me soon. I’ll be sure to shoot an update video when that happens. 👍🏼
@@DansGrandValley Thanks for the update
Looks great Dan!!
@@JSandage thanks Judy! ❤️
Hi, Dan. I got a quick question for you. Have you ever visited the Lionel Trains website? They have some Halloween-themed rolling stock that you could (possibly) recreate in HO scale when you're not busy with the GV layout.
Sounds cool Donnie! I’ll def check it out.
When you visit the Lionel site, look up the following keywords in the search bar: Halloween, Transylvania and ELX. Under each subject page, there is an archive page that shows models no longer available also.
Heyy I'm having an issue. When I go to kill the 127 consist it somehow still appears, and somehow, my locomotives are all still on the same consist. I've cleared all consists, but I'm not sure how to get them back to being separate.
That’s def weird. The closest mine does to that is it takes one of the locos off my recall list, so I have to enter it in again separately. But usually only one of them. Try calling NCE, or resetting your power cab to factory settings, maybe that will help?
awesome. thanks
@@jackmalvern2394 thanks Jack!
Ty Dan. I’m scared now 😊. How fun.
@@robgarcia1377 thanks Rob!! 👍🏼
Brightened up my day, Thanks always enjoy
@@mikechristensen2099 thanks for watching Mike!! 👍🏼
The pics and video was nice, but I won't say the same thing for the music.
Agreed. I made a new one a few years ago that changes it up a bit. It is much better.
sweet
I have nice power cab, I have level , can I run both train
Yes, you can run multiple trains with the powercab. Just watch them at the cross so they don't crash!
What if you want to convert to n scale and build it in reverse
@@Eric-qe7bu I’ve heard of people converting the Grand Valley to N scale without issue. As for building it in reverse, I guess I can’t see why not. It would have to be a completely custom job, but I’m sure it’s doable. Great questions!
Sounds great! Glad to see you back!
I approve, Dan!!👍
@@donnieshaffer741 thanks Donnie
I like it Dan!!
@@JSandage thanks Judy.
Check out the full song here: suno.com/song/dfbf4d0e-0d45-44a9-bb01-86b0c1538887
Yo Dan, can I bring my Polar Express to run on your grand valley layout?
This is cool? Where can I buy this?
The basic kit is available in many places, even Amazon. Check Tower Hobby, they sometimes have great coupons. factorydirecthobbies.com/products/woodland-scenics-1483-ho-grand-valley-layout-kit-ho-scale
@@DansGrandValley Thanks!
What type of street light do you use? What brand?
@@ivangillispie4186 they are Woodland Scenics Just Plug street lights.
I just looked at the just plug traffic signals. And I do not see any that look like the ones you use.
@@ivangillispie4186 hi Ivan, sorry you said street lights. I’m not sure the exact traffic signals that I used but they are very similar to these. www.ebay.com/itm/355810483359?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=2wdT6BAmTP-&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=lp6siSErREC&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY If you check the comments below, I link to the controller and possibly discuss where I got the signals, but honestly I can’t remember.
Could you do this with code 100 track ? I have lots of it and rather not have to buy 83 track
@@MrKingjoe28 sure, code 100 will work just fine! 👍🏼
@@DansGrandValleycool thanks 🙏 I have read in other places where people say you can’t as these kits are made for code 83 and it won’t fit but I don’t see how it could be that far off I mean it’s not like you’re dealing with the next gauge up . Disclaimer I’m a noob level 10 and still stuck is never done a layout stage but also Trying to avoid having to spend tons of money and buy all new track
@@MrKingjoe28 ahh gotcha. No, the main difference between code 100 and code 83 track is the height of the rails. Code 83 looks a little more realistic compared to real life rails because it’s just a little bit shorter. But code 100 works better for models being just a little bit taller. You get less derailments, and issues with smaller radius turns. Typically code 100 has black railroad ties and usually needs to be painted, 83 typically comes with brown ties, however I’ve seen them both ways. As far as the size of the track itself, the width and curvature of the radius they are identical. You would have no problems even mixing and matching the two other than they are different heights. They do sell special rail joiners that compensate for the height, and I have mixed the two before. But just for aesthetics, I try to keep to one or the other.
@@DansGrandValley thank you so much for the in depth and helpful reply! So to be clear if I found the track list for this layout I could purchase said tracks as code 100 correct ? Like I say I already have a bunch of code 100 so it would save me a lot of money to be able to do so . I also have a piko sprinter train I got that I rather like to use and from what I read it only works on certain code 83 track so at least if I use the 100 I don’t have to worry about it not running a correctly as well .
@@MrKingjoe28 yes, code 100 will work just fine! Here’s the most up to date track plan. woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/images/instructionsNew/ST1483trackplan.pdf -Dan
What are the dimensions of the layout?
@@thomasryan9639 the GVL is a 4’ x 8’ basic layout, but I added about 18” to the front of it for a small yard.
I would like to build this layout in "n" Gauge, only smaller 3X5, 11"-93/4 Radius, what do you think, I have been in model railroading for 50yr.
I think it would work well in N gauge. My only advice would be to eliminate the cross and go with an over-under there where the mains meet. It’s a fun layout and would be amazing in a smaller scale!
Thanks. Do these Roomette kits come with outside signage that matches the interiors or is that something you need to create yourself?
The Roomettes don’t have signage, but the building kit usually does. My decals came with the City and Industry building set.
So for the foam board roads, is that just rolls of EVA foam? Or is it something else?
@@Rebecca_The_Dragon no, it’s Woodland Scenics foam sheets, in different thicknesses. EVA would be too spongy.
Hey Dan, Not sure about NCE because I have Digitrax, you can run DC locomotives on DCC by setting the address to 00. The system should run an analog locomotive but not for long and don't leave seating for a long period without turning the power off. I have a small layout to test locomotives on DC to make sure they run before putting a decoder in. And I think most but not all decoders can run from a DC power pack if you take it to a friend's layout that doesn't have DCC. You can turn that function off using a CV. Not sure which one it is for the brand. As always I love your channel!
Thank you Thomas, great info! 👍🏼
Thats some nice stuff there Dan. I like the Mother Hubard loco
Thanks David, yeah that’s kind of unique. It’s a camel-back, not cab forward as I mentioned. It’s really cool and runs great! Thanks for watching my friend. 👍🏼
Beautiful stuff, Dan, love seeing it all! I'm sure that young neighbor is having all kinds of fun with trains already. Those things all look super neat. Looking forward to seeing them come along more!
Thank you Tom. 👍🏼