I can't find the second part. Very good video. Easy entry, perfectly explained, beautiful real train and landscape/music and at the end a perfect interview.
Unless I've missed something I would really like to see additional parts of the N scale build. I model in N scale and would love more content around the smaller scale.
I have been an N scaler since 1972 (when it wasn't so good). I appreciate what you are doing, and foam benchwork is fascinating to me. Can't wait to see what you do next.
Great show Ken, especially the sequence about the N gauge layout development. Just wanted to mention to everyone that before selecting a radius for your mainline curves, think about the types of equipment you will be using including power units and rolling stock. This many times depends upon the era and or specific railroad you are replicating on your layout. Non-Articulated locomotives and many SD diesels don’t look so good and many 70’ and larger rolling stock don’t look good on smaller radius curves, so if you have the space go for larger radius mainlines. I wish you had done this segment before I built my layout at home, I’d have included at least one layer of 2” foam under my roadbed for some rivers and culverts. Thanks Ken, keep up the good work.
Ken Patterson and the crew keep up the awesome work. i watch What's neat Model Railroad Hobbyist and What's neat this this week too all the time. seen my friend told me about it. thank you Ken Patterson and the crew.
Thanks for showing this one again. Great stuff!😁 That was neat about Lombard hobbies adding candy and that cool card to your order. They obviously know that if you find a way to make the customer think they're getting something free by including small bonus things every so often, you're going a long way toward business success.
Ken, Buddy!!! You ARE The SULTAN Of Model Rail Roading! Your Clear, Concise Diction And Delivery Of All Your Presentations Are Always Excelsior! You Bring All The Material, Personnel, And Talents Together In A Superb Showcase With The Finesse Of A Conductor Of A World Class Orchestra! On Top Of It All, You've Got A Drop-Dead Gorgeous Ole Lady, Michele!!! What More Is Thee? Nobody Can Ever Equal Your CLASS ACT Performances, Ken! Your Presentations Should Be Archived For Posterity In The Smithsonian As National Treasure. God Custom Made You For The Outstanding Job You Perform! Semper Fi, Buddy! WHOOOOO-RAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
N scale layout build - way past time for this - thanks. There are many modelers where space is scarce - N scale is important for them. Drone footage was perfect.
Was in Costco here in Canada the other day and saw they had their “craft” or “party” tables on sale for $20 cdn each. These tables are 2’ x 4’ and have adjustable legs for different heights. Once set up they are very sturdy and I thought hey, buy 4 of these and you could butt them together in any configuration you desire. You could run them end to end and have a 16’ x 2’ layout or an L shape would give you 8’ x 8’ …..what ever you want. For $80 you have ready made bench work. You could add more tables, changing the configuration again. Where the butt ends meet, I would drill holes and secure them together with bolts and washers thus making it one solid structure. If the tables are against the wall, drill holes in the sides and using screws and washers you could secure it to the wall studs. You could build your bench work in less time then it took for me to watch this video. Cover it all with foam and you’re ready to lay track. Next time you’re in Costco, give them a look and see what you think.
Looking at that drone footage, I forgot it was real world. I was looking at it as an HO layout using forced perspective. HO scale train, with Z scale vehicles below the bridges. Incredible.
Very good build so far, if unconventional. Im very interested in seeing where this is going. When will Part 2 be uploaded? I didnt see it in the video list.
Thanks, Ken for another great episode. I love the new n scale project layout and, of course, I enjoy the infectious enthusiasm you bring to each production and the hobby itself.
Hello. Glad I found your channel; just started in the hobby two years ago. Going slow due to family, work, and little space. I have and enjoy N scale. I'll use your great guidance as able soon as I'm able to start up again. I began with a KATO M2 starter layout.
I'm intrigued by this video. I want to see the next one in the series, so I can see that development. Using a kidney shaped layout would fit with my purpose. I'm wondering how you frame it. Searching on UA-cam hasn't brought me to the next episode.
Sorry Ken, I have seen the 1st part but I can't find the continuation of this interesting project in Scale N. Where I can find it? I see you from Barcelona (Spain) and I learn a lot from your videos. Thank you very much and best regards
Excellent!!! Even though I model HO-Scale, the soldering tips for N-Scale layout project are great. All the segments were informative, and the drone footage is just great to sit back and enjoy.
Great Stuff makes an adhesive version of foam made for subflooring which might work too. There is also a foam board adhesive for your caulk gun that I have used as well.
What an awesome show! I just love the N-Scale Project It looks great..Ken! I can't wait to see Part 2 of this on going project! I've been modeling n- scale since..1994. My grand daughter..Emily..calls the n- scale.."Real Cute" "I'll go with that" The..American Limited Models..i love the..BNSF Fire Suppression Water Tank Car! That is just..Outstanding! The drome footage of The Feather River Route..Union Pacific..is just awesome! This is "The Best Hobby In The World" Till Next Time! MoPac Jack Going To My "Train Cave" Be Safe! Rock N' Roll
The N scale layout . I used flextracks for the curves Atlas , manual and remote switch Bachmann and Atlas . 15 , 30 and 90 grades crossing . Reailed Atlas and Bachmann .Remote double slip switch and remote triple switch . Nails for tracks and joiners Atlas Ken .
I was curious if you thought it wiser after the fact to have painted the pink board a ground color first to make it look like scenery as you go vs. having to do so adding paint between the tracks and rails.I can't wait to see how you will operate your turnouts. What devices you will use.
I used to have a model HO scale layout, then I got a contract with KCS to work on their comms and IT. needless to say I get to ride and work on a wide variety of railroad equipment.
Did this layout just end, or is there more? It's been more than a year! Can we please have Part 2, or at least an explaination as to why you let it fade away.
I'm getting ready to do an N-scale layout of my own as I'm returning to the hobby after about a decade, (life and all that). But I'm so out practice, I'm going to be using kato unitrack. Probably more expensive, but less of a headache. :)
I never paint any 'weathering' or 'rust' onto the stainless steel rails themselves. When I was a kid in the 1970s, the only rails we could afford was BRASS, and I remember how after a few months the brass would become all tarnished and the trains wouldn't run right. When I could afford it, I bought those nickel-steel tracks (stainless) and to me, that was like magic. I loved how they were so shiny and stayed that way. I never want to cover up 'precious diamonds' like that.
a suggestion isn't to solder every joint but to solder every OTHER joint or at last have a few that aren't, this allows the tracks to expand and contract due to heat or cold of the room. If you solder everything solid, it will warp itself over time. If you really wanted to be stickler for realism, there is code 40 for N scale. For most people Atlas Code 80 is the norm, also the same size of rail that Kato uses for their Unitrack system as well. Code 80 is a bit too big for the scale (code 100 for HO is the equivalent) and the ties are too few per a "foot". Code 55 (Code 83 for HO) is closer to prototypical ties and rail head size.
Eh, their loss. Some seller on Amazon has some 3d printed building kits for like a quarter the walthers price. If you're willing to put in the work, it's just a better option.
@@Ephra_wangai Like who? Walters has not produced their Blast Furnace in several years. You will pay close to $400 for the kit. I want it but not that bad.
Building A Layout is Always a Rush it’s Always fun Never Boring and a Little thing when Building you will have a Billlion questions dancing in your head gotta Love it Better than Going to a Bar And Getting a hangover. I Would Rather get Traintoxicated instead that’s what I love About Model Railroading.
I agree that we should "support those who support us as modelers . . . " I'll be happy to support any company or store that supports S SCALE, meaning "Finescale S," (not high-rail or American Flyer), which I feel is the best modeling scale. Also, Ken, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE stop totally neglecting to acknowledge the existence of S scale when listing off for whatever reason a list of "all the scales," as you did AGAIN in this video at 12:35. We S scale modelers are modelers also, and damn good ones too. BTW, the OLD Caboose Hobbies did support S scale.
@@christophercolt1361 As we age and our eye sight gets worse, we need as much help as we can get. It is either that or he is just fishing for someone to call him "6" eyes. What do you think?
I love Lombard Hobbies but why would anyone new to the hobby in 2021 spend their valuable time and money on hand laying N scale roadbed and scale track and then wiring everything with a soldering iron??? That process is so 1970s and Atlas!!?? Kato Unitrack is the reason most people with have intricate N scale layouts these days just as Lionel Fast Track attracts many more people to O scale and non-scale Lionel products. Unitrack is a bullet proof instant layout solution which is totally reliable as are Kato engines and it therefore allows for immediate layout construction for DC or DCC operation without all the time, effort, expense, tools, skills and frustration associated with hand laying cork roadbed, aligning rails, nailing track to cork road bed, wiring track feeds, gluing, pinning and then soldering track feeds. Sorry but the complexity of what you are doing is not why N Scale is so popular these days with folks coming back to the hobby or new to it. DCC N Scale sound equipped trains require absolutely bullet proof track and turnouts and Kato Unitrack offers that in spades. Sure the track is not US prototypical but it is operationally bullet proof for expensive sound equipped DCC locomotives and it will last for decades with zero issues and it is easy to clean and/or replace if necessary. Not many people have the time or the skills to hand lay track and I know when I had to do that with Atlas track back in the 1970s in HO as a 13 year old the result absolutely sucked. Kato Unitrack is plug and play wiring for either DCC or DC and so a caveman (or someone with limited time and skills can build a layout in an hour or less on a flat table top and start running trains immediately while endless tinkering with the design without the need to rip up and rewire track to explore multiple configurations. If I had to hand lay track back in 2001, I never would have gotten back into the hobby after a 27 year hiatus. I am still using the Kato Unitrack I bought 20 years ago with its plug and play power feeds and turnout controls. Converted to DCC and it was not fun soldering decoders to non-DCC ready engines and in N Scale, the very small size makes soldering any wire lead a total bear. I suppose some people enjoy hand laying track but most of us suck at it and would prefer to have a layout that works and will keep working for a decade or two or three with no need to relay or rewire track. For most people working in N Scale or Z scale, hand laying track with less than 20::20 eyesight in middle age is not really a viable solution or a good time. Once you paint and ballast Kato Unitrack, it looks better than okay and it will outperform and outlast anything else on the market. I could build your layout in couple of hours or less with unitrack and cut pieces as necessary to make it fit your track plan. Sure there are a limited selection of powered switches but most of us can live without exotic curved turnouts or # 8, #10 and #12 switches and run our trains on #6s and #6 crossovers. Running trains quickly is what sells trains to new hobbyists as well to those returning to the hobby after decades and so the audience for this type of video must be rather limited. I suppose some people still like to lay roadbed and hand lay track, but to me it is like weeding a garden, a never ending project.
Appreciate the N scale addition to the show...
I feel like N scalers always get looked over. I appreciate this as well.
I can't find the second part. Very good video. Easy entry, perfectly explained, beautiful real train and landscape/music and at the end a perfect interview.
Hello, Earth to Ken!! Part 2?? Put those two pairs of glasses on and get to work!!
Ken, thanks for part 1. Where is part 2,part 3, etc.?
Ken when is the next installment can't wait.
I live about 15 minutes from Lombard Hobbies. By far they have the best pricing of all the train shops I have visited.
I love these, even beyond my modeling interests, because What's Neat is a bunch of dads in their natural habitat. It's so wholesome!
Unless I've missed something I would really like to see additional parts of the N scale build. I model in N scale and would love more content around the smaller scale.
I have been an N scaler since 1972 (when it wasn't so good). I appreciate what you are doing, and foam benchwork is fascinating to me. Can't wait to see what you do next.
I was born in 72 and Im just getting into it. Addicting as hell ;)
Brave man being in n in 1972.
Great show Ken, especially the sequence about the N gauge layout development. Just wanted to mention to everyone that before selecting a radius for your mainline curves, think about the types of equipment you will be using including power units and rolling stock. This many times depends upon the era and or specific railroad you are replicating on your layout. Non-Articulated locomotives and many SD diesels don’t look so good and many 70’ and larger rolling stock don’t look good on smaller radius curves, so if you have the space go for larger radius mainlines. I wish you had done this segment before I built my layout at home, I’d have included at least one layer of 2” foam under my roadbed for some rivers and culverts. Thanks Ken, keep up the good work.
Love the Simpson Meter on the bench.
Ken Patterson and the crew keep up the awesome work.
i watch What's neat Model Railroad Hobbyist and What's neat this this week too all the time. seen my friend told me about it. thank you Ken Patterson and the crew.
Thanks for showing this one again. Great stuff!😁 That was neat about Lombard hobbies adding candy and that cool card to your order. They obviously know that if you find a way to make the customer think they're getting something free by including small bonus things every so often, you're going a long way toward business success.
Is there a part 2? This looked to be a great project that has gone off the rails.
ua-cam.com/video/h_UhLozbIdY/v-deo.html
Very excited to see the N Scale layout take shape!
Ken, Buddy!!! You ARE The SULTAN Of Model Rail Roading! Your Clear, Concise Diction And Delivery Of All Your Presentations Are Always Excelsior! You Bring All The Material, Personnel, And Talents Together In A Superb Showcase With The Finesse Of A Conductor Of A World Class Orchestra! On Top Of It All, You've Got A Drop-Dead Gorgeous Ole Lady, Michele!!! What More Is Thee? Nobody Can Ever Equal Your CLASS ACT Performances, Ken! Your Presentations Should Be Archived For Posterity In The Smithsonian As National Treasure. God Custom Made You For The Outstanding Job You Perform! Semper Fi, Buddy! WHOOOOO-RAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a cute and accessible N scale project!
Where is part 2 of this track? I would love to see it get finished
N scale layout build - way past time for this - thanks. There are many modelers where space is scarce - N scale is important for them. Drone footage was perfect.
Whatever happen to part 2?
I couldn’t agree more.
Love the n gauge update. the drone footage is amazing!!
Was in Costco here in Canada the other day and saw they had their “craft” or “party” tables on sale for $20 cdn each. These tables are 2’ x 4’ and have adjustable legs for different heights. Once set up they are very sturdy and I thought hey, buy 4 of these and you could butt them together in any configuration you desire. You could run them end to end and have a 16’ x 2’ layout or an L shape would give you 8’ x 8’ …..what ever you want. For $80 you have ready made bench work. You could add more tables, changing the configuration again. Where the butt ends meet, I would drill holes and secure them together with bolts and washers thus making it one solid structure. If the tables are against the wall, drill holes in the sides and using screws and washers you could secure it to the wall studs. You could build your bench work in less time then it took for me to watch this video. Cover it all with foam and you’re ready to lay track. Next time you’re in Costco, give them a look and see what you think.
"Best hobby in the world" YESSS!
You appreciate the N scale track try doing the buildings lol! Nice video
Looking at that drone footage, I forgot it was real world. I was looking at it as an HO layout using forced perspective. HO scale train, with Z scale vehicles below the bridges. Incredible.
I am still waiting for part 2...come ooooon!!! lol...*EDIT*...it would appear that Ken kept this beauty to himself lol...
Very good build so far, if unconventional. Im very interested in seeing where this is going. When will Part 2 be uploaded? I didnt see it in the video list.
Thanks for another great video. really liked the N scale segment.
great video but what happened to the 2nd part?
Excellent video! Thank you for your passion and creativity in the hobby! I go to Lombard hobbies all the time!
Still waiting for Part 2… not getting any younger here.
Got my card and snacks with my last order. Great idea! In fact, I need to go there and look at something. Brb............😁
Thanks, Ken for another great episode. I love the new n scale project layout and, of course, I enjoy the infectious enthusiasm you bring to each production and the hobby itself.
Hello. Glad I found your channel; just started in the hobby two years ago. Going slow due to family, work, and little space. I have and enjoy N scale. I'll use your great guidance as able soon as I'm able to start up again. I began with a KATO M2 starter layout.
Big shout out to Lombard Hobbies! My fav. hobby shop! ☕🍻👍
Another fantastic video Ken. Keep up the good work. Regards Jaeson. From the UK.
The Welch Fruit Snacks is Lombard Hobbies’ signature gift. It’s a great hobby store especially for online orders.
Ken great job 👍👍👍
Is there ever going to be a part 2 ?
Excellent tips here. Just about to start an N scale layout, this is very prescient to me. Thanks.
Ken ever do any more work on this?
Great Episode
Thanks Ken
Im glad I found your channel, Thanks for sharing your talent and knowledge with us. I like your style ;)
Great Idea, looking gpforwsrd to parts 2etc.... thanks
I'm intrigued by this video. I want to see the next one in the series, so I can see that development. Using a kidney shaped layout would fit with my purpose. I'm wondering how you frame it. Searching on UA-cam hasn't brought me to the next episode.
me too - I can't wait to see what happens next.
Me three! I’m dyeing to see the following episodes. N scale is often looked down on by the rest of the hobby.
Next month will be a year since part 1. Have I missed part 2?
Ken, I'm an n scaler that loved this episode, when are you going to do part 2? Thanks
I'm a year late, but I really enjoyed this video. Getting the bug again!
Thank you so helpful. I cant find part 2. does it exist ?
Sorry Ken, I have seen the 1st part but I can't find the continuation of this interesting project in Scale N.
Where I can find it?
I see you from Barcelona (Spain) and I learn a lot from your videos.
Thank you very much and best regards
thank you for another great joy video
Looks great.
Excellent!!! Even though I model HO-Scale, the soldering tips for N-Scale layout project are great. All the segments were informative, and the drone footage is just great to sit back and enjoy.
Great Stuff makes an adhesive version of foam made for subflooring which might work too. There is also a foam board adhesive for your caulk gun that I have used as well.
Great episode Ken… I love this community… greetings from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺
What an awesome show! I just love the N-Scale Project It looks great..Ken! I can't wait to see Part 2 of this on going project! I've been modeling n- scale since..1994. My grand daughter..Emily..calls the n- scale.."Real Cute" "I'll go with that" The..American Limited Models..i love the..BNSF Fire Suppression Water Tank Car! That is just..Outstanding! The drome footage of The Feather River Route..Union Pacific..is just awesome! This is "The Best Hobby In The World" Till Next Time! MoPac Jack Going To My "Train Cave" Be Safe! Rock N' Roll
Great work, thanks for the detail info.
Nice video.
Greetings Gert
Ken im having to find the part 2 part 3 etc please i need HELP
I cant find the rest of the episodes
Is there a part 2 ?
Cool video and channel just subscribed
finally n scale! nice
Where is Part 2? Did you abandon the project? Please advise.
The N scale layout .
I used flextracks for the curves Atlas , manual and remote switch Bachmann and Atlas . 15 , 30 and 90 grades crossing . Reailed Atlas and Bachmann .Remote double slip switch and remote triple switch .
Nails for tracks and joiners Atlas Ken .
Good episode Ken.
Any updates on this project lately
I was curious if you thought it wiser after the fact to have painted the pink board a ground color first to make it look like scenery as you go vs. having to do so adding paint between the tracks and rails.I can't wait to see how you will operate your turnouts. What devices you will use.
Ken also didn't lay any roadbed, so I suspect that he plans to sculpt the top foam, making prepainting pointless.
So i presume this got scrapped then as a year later and still no part 2?
I used to have a model HO scale layout, then I got a contract with KCS to work on their comms and IT. needless to say I get to ride and work on a wide variety of railroad equipment.
Did this layout just end, or is there more?
It's been more than a year! Can we please have Part 2, or at least an explaination as to why you let it fade away.
where is part 2 please i cant find it
Where was the drone video shot? WOW!
I'm getting ready to do an N-scale layout of my own as I'm returning to the hobby after about a decade, (life and all that). But I'm so out practice, I'm going to be using kato unitrack.
Probably more expensive, but less of a headache. :)
Shout out to Andrew from Lombard Hobbies also.He worked his magic on some pre-orders that I thought were sold out,thanks again Andrew!!
Where is part 2 .... of this?
This was in July, do you have a part 2 our yet?
Excellent show, Ken. The drone footage is amazing. What is the background music?
Where was the aerial footage filmed ?
How do you glue your track down please
I never paint any 'weathering' or 'rust' onto the stainless steel rails themselves. When I was a kid in the 1970s, the only rails we could afford was BRASS, and I remember how after a few months the brass would become all tarnished and the trains wouldn't run right. When I could afford it, I bought those nickel-steel tracks (stainless) and to me, that was like magic. I loved how they were so shiny and stayed that way. I never want to cover up 'precious diamonds' like that.
Brass Tracks Will Never Be Forgotten they Are the Forefathers of Model Rail Roaders And Will Always be Used No Matter what or When.
Sounds like your entire layout ! Was Full ! Of ! TARNISH !!
Part 2 please???
a suggestion isn't to solder every joint but to solder every OTHER joint or at last have a few that aren't, this allows the tracks to expand and contract due to heat or cold of the room. If you solder everything solid, it will warp itself over time.
If you really wanted to be stickler for realism, there is code 40 for N scale. For most people Atlas Code 80 is the norm, also the same size of rail that Kato uses for their Unitrack system as well. Code 80 is a bit too big for the scale (code 100 for HO is the equivalent) and the ties are too few per a "foot". Code 55 (Code 83 for HO) is closer to prototypical ties and rail head size.
God, I wish I could buy Pink Foam where I live. You guys have it so much easier...
Ken, maybe you could talk to your sponsor - Walthers - to have more respect for N scale. Its structure line in N scale is sad compared to its HO line.
Agreed! I have been looking for their N scale blast furnace. Their refineries and chemical plant design are in realistic.
We've been crying to Walthers for decades they aren't going to change...
@@marcusc3463 Some people just don’t give a damn!
Eh, their loss. Some seller on Amazon has some 3d printed building kits for like a quarter the walthers price. If you're willing to put in the work, it's just a better option.
@@Ephra_wangai Like who? Walters has not produced their Blast Furnace in several years. You will pay close to $400 for the kit. I want it but not that bad.
Wow nice video
Building A Layout is Always a Rush it’s Always fun Never Boring and a Little thing when Building you will have a Billlion questions dancing in your head gotta Love it Better than Going to a Bar And Getting a hangover. I Would Rather get Traintoxicated instead that’s what I love About Model Railroading.
Blocks in a DCC layout? Why?
Occupancy?
No cork roadbed?
foam quiets it down more than cork
But does it raise the track to a realistic level?
So...like everyone else..where is part 2? Can you at least respond one way or the other? Is this the same layout as Red Oak?
I agree that we should "support those who support us as modelers . . . " I'll be happy to support any company or store that supports S SCALE, meaning "Finescale S," (not high-rail or American Flyer), which I feel is the best modeling scale. Also, Ken, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE stop totally neglecting to acknowledge the existence of S scale when listing off for whatever reason a list of "all the scales," as you did AGAIN in this video at 12:35. We S scale modelers are modelers also, and damn good ones too. BTW, the OLD Caboose Hobbies did support S scale.
N scale 💯🤘😎🤘
Ken I only hear sound from your locomotives when I use my cellphone with the Bluetooth to my hearing aids.
Couldn't help but notice that you were wearing 2 pairs of glasses at the same time! Very peculiar.
Maybe He Doesn't Like The Annoyance Of BiFocals! Man! You Observation Is So Astute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@christophercolt1361 As we age and our eye sight gets worse, we need as much help as we can get. It is either that or he is just fishing for someone to call him "6" eyes. What do you think?
hahaha was thinking the same thing...it was weird to look at first
FEARLESS ! FLY !! otherwise ! He !! Would have ! NO !! IDEA !! ON !! HOW !! TO !! BUILD !! HIS !! LAYOUT !!
I forgot to add the statement “ let’s support those who support us as modellers…”
AMEN.
When We Model Rail Road we Belong to a Large Family of Railroading.
Ken you need to bring up why the companies do not think about deaf model railroaders or Title 16.
please clairify what your saying so others could understand you better
what do you mean about this
Haha, i would be curious about the respect to Z scale modelers 😂 its a struggle....
It’s Roger Elbert.
Everything is limited runs now!
👍!
I love Lombard Hobbies but why would anyone new to the hobby in 2021 spend their valuable time and money on hand laying N scale roadbed and scale track and then wiring everything with a soldering iron??? That process is so 1970s and Atlas!!?? Kato Unitrack is the reason most people with have intricate N scale layouts these days just as Lionel Fast Track attracts many more people to O scale and non-scale Lionel products. Unitrack is a bullet proof instant layout solution which is totally reliable as are Kato engines and it therefore allows for immediate layout construction for DC or DCC operation without all the time, effort, expense, tools, skills and frustration associated with hand laying cork roadbed, aligning rails, nailing track to cork road bed, wiring track feeds, gluing, pinning and then soldering track feeds. Sorry but the complexity of what you are doing is not why N Scale is so popular these days with folks coming back to the hobby or new to it. DCC N Scale sound equipped trains require absolutely bullet proof track and turnouts and Kato Unitrack offers that in spades. Sure the track is not US prototypical but it is operationally bullet proof for expensive sound equipped DCC locomotives and it will last for decades with zero issues and it is easy to clean and/or replace if necessary. Not many people have the time or the skills to hand lay track and I know when I had to do that with Atlas track back in the 1970s in HO as a 13 year old the result absolutely sucked. Kato Unitrack is plug and play wiring for either DCC or DC and so a caveman (or someone with limited time and skills can build a layout in an hour or less on a flat table top and start running trains immediately while endless tinkering with the design without the need to rip up and rewire track to explore multiple configurations. If I had to hand lay track back in 2001, I never would have gotten back into the hobby after a 27 year hiatus. I am still using the Kato Unitrack I bought 20 years ago with its plug and play power feeds and turnout controls. Converted to DCC and it was not fun soldering decoders to non-DCC ready engines and in N Scale, the very small size makes soldering any wire lead a total bear. I suppose some people enjoy hand laying track but most of us suck at it and would prefer to have a layout that works and will keep working for a decade or two or three with no need to relay or rewire track. For most people working in N Scale or Z scale, hand laying track with less than 20::20 eyesight in middle age is not really a viable solution or a good time. Once you paint and ballast Kato Unitrack, it looks better than okay and it will outperform and outlast anything else on the market. I could build your layout in couple of hours or less with unitrack and cut pieces as necessary to make it fit your track plan. Sure there are a limited selection of powered switches but most of us can live without exotic curved turnouts or # 8, #10 and #12 switches and run our trains on #6s and #6 crossovers. Running trains quickly is what sells trains to new hobbyists as well to those returning to the hobby after decades and so the audience for this type of video must be rather limited. I suppose some people still like to lay roadbed and hand lay track, but to me it is like weeding a garden, a never ending project.
I'm one of those who still lay roadbed and track. I just prefer the way it looks when ballasted.