Completion isn't the goal, enjoyment is. This layout exists for no other person but you. I find it's fun to make up a little story and let that lead the way. Paint over the graffiti, (Local council beautification project) Rip out the car park (Greenies won a vote) Swap out your locos (New management fixing the mistakes of the old). Best of luck!
This Hobby is Totally different to how I perceived it to be when I stuck my Toe in 5 years ago, and my Layout has evolved along with the knowledge I’ve gained - The Beauty of this Hobby Is that its Subjective - Some are in it for the trains, others for the Scenics, and you do what makes you happy, there is no Right or wrong with your layout, it is what it is, and if people tell you they wouldn’t have done something a particular way, then that’s their choice, it doesn’t make anything wrong. If you wanna grow your Channel, stop being so hard on yourself, and make films from a more positive angle, we all make what we perceive to be mistakes, and that’s how we learn not to do it again 🤷🏻♂️ So Cheer up, it’s Supposed to be Fun 🤩 🙌🏻✨
I can relate to much of what you are saying. I’m from Kansas City (USA) and much older, but I still struggled with lack of focus. A few years ago I met someone who has become one of my best friends. He introduced me to a group of layout owners who gather at one another’s homes for operating sessions. I learned some invaluable things out of this. First, building and running a layout with friends is more fun and takes advantage of the synergy created by the joining of different skill sets. Second, your space will be better utilized if you build around the perimeter rather than in the middle of the room. Third, even a spare bedroom can provide plenty of action if you make it an industrial layout or even a double decked layout. Fourth, build it with modules. I live in a small two bedroom duplex that we don’t own, but modular construction takes the fear out of building a layout because you can always move it with you if circumstances require. Fifth, don’t add scenery until you are sure the track plan actually works like you want it to. It’s a great hobby which utilized more skills than most hobbies. Good luck! Enjoy!
Good video 👍I’ll second the don’t sell you gear ,iv spent thousands over the years and all gone. Just starting out in my 50s again.nearly makes me cry when I look at the prices now .😪😪.
Yeah the prices are absolutely mental, even the bargains on the websites are still pretty bad, they say it’s due to inflation but I’m Not convinced! Thanks for the comment!
So true. If I was doing my layout again it would be very different in design and build. By not being realistic/thorough in the layout design phase gave me no end of problems trying to make it work it on a separable 8’x4’ baseboard.
Too many people seem to be soo focused on prototypical setups.. why not just run whatever locos and carriages you like and choose to run.. (That's what I do) it's your layout and why can't you run what you like and want.... ?? why be worried about what others say and think when it's YOUR layout... not theirs? Slow the train down when going through the setpoints and that will alleviate the derailing issues... or put a small piece of track in between the points to make it a longer area. The large loco (in preparation for the larger layout as this is a very very small layout and you will grow out of that in a matter of months... Take the items out of the boxes and then store the empty boxes elsewhere... in a wardrobe or cupboard not being used... most of these issues you are coming up with can be very easily sorted when you think outside of the box.. pun intended..
Please stop calling yourself an idiot ! Everyone of us human beings learns by our mistakes. So call yourself a student, or a learner, or an improver, or something like that. This will be good for your personal self-respect, which will help other people to respect you. The things you buy at first may be a bit random, but you can often sell them for almost as much as (& sometimes more than) you paid for them. There is a massive secondhand market in model trains. Use Ebay etc, or bring & buy stalls at clubs & exhibitions. In building a layout, look for ways of doing things that can allow for easy change, modification & improvement. Your unloved car park is easy to just paint over & restart from scratch, or to cover with houses, industrial buildings, a farm, a lake, etc. And your "little diorama" can become a section of a bigger modular layout, something you may one day show at exhibitions.
to be fair most american locos are mis advrtized i got a scale trains csx police loco with the red and blue lights says can go on 22 radius which it can you just can have anything attached to it without the rolling stock derailing.
Hi Adam, thank you for posting this video! As a new model railway builder, I found this video so incredibly useful and interesting! You have mentioned things which I hadn't even considered! Well done on the video, the massive influx of subscribers and viewers too!
about the points, i bought a brand new flying scotsman train set and mabey its because its a train set but my points broke the hour I opened the train set
The feeder rail is good only for temporary layouts. For a permanent one, use fishplates with soldered wires, or solder wires on the side of the tracks.
Thanks to everyone for the insane amount of support on this video, I am genuinely mind blown! I will get back to comments ASAP and thanks for the 200-odd new subscribers it’s insane! Thanks for watching - Adam
I made the same mistake of selling railroad equipment cheap then buying more again later before you did. I think the rogue thought of that event floated over the Atlantic ocean into your head. Sorry about that.
Research, practice on small things before going big especially relevant to ballast or scenery, a practice on a junk piece of set track or two until happy saves a whole layout of dissatisfaction. Don't avoid trying new things. Kits and self assembled bits and bobs make it far cheaper and far more enjoyable, something to be proud of, not just something you purchased. Less is more in terms of track, less track = more space for thr track to look good and more shunting challenges.
You only gain experience by actually doing something. The only people that never make mistakes are those that are no longer with us. Learn from what you have done and your next project will be better for it.
Mate,... just keep up the good work... we all learn from our mistakes.. I sold all mine amd had to spend probably five fold to get back to where I was.... ho hum... well done.
You have obviously cracked it as I see you have 2.2k views, that is substantial. I have been on UA-cam for about 10 years and have only about 650 subs although some videos have over 10k views, this could be because I have covered a variety of subjects and as such, the audience us divided. I have collected trains probably for nearly 20 years on and off because I travelled for work and I didn’t have a layout. It wasn’t until about two years ago I started a layout, my wife having affirmed me a 9’x9’ room. My dreams of having that big layout with big locos speeding down straight runs were dashed. I managed to get one track laid in a big loop and had the Coronation, Flying Scotsman etc pulling full rakes but eventually added a few more tracks and points. I didn’t plan it out too well and haven’t isolated any sections and cannot cross over. I must think that through before I start cutting track. Many times I have thought I have collected too many locos and coaches, steam, diesel and electric locos covering a span of fine but I enjoy them all. My layout is DC as when I first began to buy trains that was all that was around and before I knew it I was too far in and the cost to add chips was . So I endeavour to service and maintain my locos and stock and get a great deal of enjoyment from small successes. But I did buy a Hornby Digital Controller and have one chip so I might dedicate one track to DCC So keep up the good work. Regards
Yeah I think the title was the main reason it got views, it draws people in I guess! I’ve been doing this on and off for about 5 years I think, but it’s good you finally managed to get a layout and somewhere to run all your stock! Honestly I know nothing about electrics and isolating stuff so you probably did it better than I would lol, I have one DC controller for both tracks which isn’t optimal tbh! Cheers for the comment!
@wilbury Castle Hi Fred, watching the Monday Club right now. Have done a couple of videos on servicing my locos and just had to give up on my class 29 as I lost one of those tiny springs! Who do you recommend for parts? I did a live video last night about the Chevrolet Camaro, that had its own live challenges but it ended well. That was episode 5
For No.7 I thought of selling a Hornby King to Hattons and it cost me (in Aussie dollars) $350 and in Aussie dollars Hattons was going to give me $90 so I declined their offer. If buying off Ebay then for some reason some people think that a model in it's original box with all the paperwork is worth double what it cost new. I bought a Bachmann Blue Pullman in Nanking Blue here in Australia from a model railway shop long after they'd sold out in the UK. and it cost me $630. I went on Ebay and the exact same model purported to be brand new was $1,300. I have a horrible thought that someone bought it thinking they got the bargain of the century when in fact they were totally ripped off.
my layout isn't the best - its just a simple 4x8 track .... but the THEME is what gets me the most compliments !! .... the rolling stock AND the accesories are from similar time frames !!
Rule number 1 applies. It's your railway so you get to run what you want. That said if you've got something you don't really use then don't be afraid to sell it off to fund something you might want. But as you say its worth thinking carefully about it beforehand. I think Iron Horse Railways on here did z video on the subject not too long ago so maybe it's worth checking that out. Plus you could always say the bubble car is in a 'heritage' livery like the Southern 313 or the SWR 455. Personally I go from Steam right through BR green, Diesel Transition to the Blue Era and now into Sectorisation, since I grew up through the 80s and saw that era come in. Everard Junction is a good 'early' sectorisation era layout if you haven't seen it but your layout looks a lot of fun. I definitely agree on that power track though. It's the same size as an R600 straight so maybe lifting it and putting one in with the wires soldered in place would look better. It should be easy enough as it doesn't look like you've ballasted the track so it should be pretty straight forward. For points, Peco do a good range and you can often get 'new' old stock ones on Ebay for, well, beans really. So maybe that's an option. Really Hornby's set track points are too tight for even a siding. As to the big locos, maybe its worth putting together an 'American' inglenook layout for it. That way it can run without striking the DCC connector and risking damage. That might fit on a 4x1 ft board and you'd only really need a few wagons to shunt around.
Hang on to that lovely American loco, you were not an idiot to buy it, they are amazing machines! I use KATO track on my USA themed layout, not based on any real location, but a Shortline style set up, so I can run " Fallen Flag" locos of different vintages. Having worked on BR as a train driver for 42 years, I wanted something different! Enjoy your railway mate and carry on making mistakes, it's part of the learning process . As long as you still want to create that 3d picture, that you see in your mind, you'll enjoy the hobby!
No value judgement meant here. Only calling it for what it IS ( which, though, is perfectly OK for you and others ). I.E. Your chosen modeling level, all around, is a tad on the 'toyish' side anyway and nowhere near what a seasoned modeler would call a 'fine-scale' model railroad..You yourself point some that out at the onset, right up thru to 5:00 ! What's most strikingly wrong is your mixing British with US locos and cars AND thus, couplers ! Also, betting the 'freelanced' US diesel [ 3:49 ] is 1:87 HO, looking too small next to 1:76 OO scale. At least if you'd picked one and stuck with it (likely British for you), then, ONLY the eras would be in question ('50s-ish 'transition era' justifying steam AND diesel side by side), and NOT country/continent of origin !!! So: Due TO all this, the placement of the Power Terminal being where you did put it is perfectly in balance with everything else..Of course you needn't have drilled such a gaping hole just for 2 wires to go through. You can still move terminal elsewhere. Or remove it altogether and solder the 2 leads to the rails...But if you keep it where it is, perhaps a tiny signal box/tower on top of it, or just some bushes, mound of ballast, say. Finally : It's NOT your (acute, #4-seeming) switches/points causing the DERAILS !.. The derails are because you've formed ' S curves WITH them. Especially long coaches will derail on tight S curves. Usually it's 2 cars having their couplers MAXED outward in OPPOSITE directions that causes the trucks/bogies to lift off the rails. The rule of thumb is: A section of TANGENT (straight track) the length of your longest rail vehicle needs to be between opposing track SPIRALS (curves)..And you haven't them.. In any case I've still enjoyed your video and gave you a thumbs up....It matters not, what anyone does hobby-wise. It's only that one realizes the level of his or her indulgence in it and perhaps is willing to learn from others further along in it. And even THAT is not a prerequisite to being in ANY hobby. Why? For the very reason that it IS, just a hobby !!
Thanks for being so honest about your frustrations. It made me laugh about all the stupid things I've done. It's weird how sharing failures is relieving. Keep your pecker up. You won me over as a new subscriber.
I think I will make use of peco turnouts on my next layout, I don’t really do much shunting or track switching on this current layout it’s very much just roundy roundy! Thanks for the comment
It's a learning curve and it takes time to 'mature'. The biggest mistake most model RRs make is starting without a 'plan' and build quantity spaghetti layouts of poor quality with tight curves. The most beautiful and successful layouts are 'less is more' on a consistent 'theme' including harmonie of colors and 'time period' and can be prototypical or freelance. Learn from proven designs and have a look at real world railroads, including landscape and geography....all in context of the choice of 'scale' to the room 'layout surface' you have.
If you could, an elevated level above those tracks would add interest but if it was just a basic oval there would be less problem running the big American job, knowing what you know about the things it fouls. The track could be started running along that tunnel top.
I think you’d get a lot more subs if you were snappy on the editing: with this title viewers will expect a quick top 10 list, every frame in here where you’re not talking is a diversion from the viewer’s goal. Also, I’m sorry you got a rough deal when selling your trains, we all do things we regret in moments of panic; but your explanation of that could probably have been edited down to 30 seconds without losing any crucial info. When your videos are as good as they have the potential to be, you’ll get the subs.
I'd enjoy the modelling work but I know when i got everything completed I'd be wondering what do i do with it and get bored. I guess some will say the work is never completed (like gardening), but that sounds like 'd just be setting myself an everlasting chore.
One thing I really hate about model railways is the really tight corners. I realise that you can't avoid them due to space, but they always look terrible. Mind you - I don't have a model railway, and likely never will do...
Why have yoi not changed the things that you don't like. Some of the things are simple and others are part of developing a layout. Selling off what you don't want is part of modelling.
Snap we were moving house so I must of had about 6 grand of trains and stations miles and miles of track sold it all for quarter of the price now not moving so I have started again but everything is so pricey today i do regret selling but that’s life half of my money went to the wife now she has left for pastures new just me and my best mate ruby the cockapoo but we are happy and my first train set is the Hogwarts express 😊
When I started modelling again I built a small layout, and used it to redevelop my skills, find out what I was good at and what I needed to practice. Needless to say I made mistakes, cleared them away and did it again, or did different. The basic track plan was not altered, only the scenery. I operate on the the principle of it’s my layout I’ll run what I want, but I do have a theme. Late 50 / early 60 south midlands, but I can shift back or forwards by changing a few scenic elements.
Been there, done that! Have a look at the diesels on the Hartz Mountain line (metre gauge). If anything is outsize, they are. They are almost one and a half times the height of the rolling stock. There is one tunnel on that line (58 metres long), and I wonder how they get though it, probably with millimetres to spare. I am building a OO9/HOe layout based on a fictional Scottish setting. I have made mistakes as well. My first mistake was to buy a Bachmann Lynton & Barnstable 2-6-2. Lovely runner. It cannot go round the minimum radii that I have. If I knew that the minimum radius was 30 cm, I would not have bought it at £150 or so. Experience is a good school, but the fees are high. Electrofrogs can also be tricky; you get short circuits on some settings. I thought I knew about electrics (at my age, I am strictly analogue), until I tried electrofrogs. Complex switching helps... So don't dismiss set track. It is useful in fiddle yards on any future layout that you make. Selling my old stuff is the worst thing you can do. I have done that and I felt I had sold part of myself. This was ancient Hornby (in those days Tri-ang) stuff. Rather coarse scale, but I have been interested in trains my entire life, so it was part of me. You have had a go at scratch-building an American themed locomotive. It has come out well. You could have a go at scratch-building free-lance locos or stock, which is what I have been doing, and I have two left hands, all thumbs. I have been doing this for my line, which saves a shed-load of money (£50 for a loco, rather than £150 - 200). And very satisfying. As for buildings, there are several manfacturerers of brickpapers or plastic sheets embossed with brick/stone/tiles/corrugated iron. Above all, think about the positives. Building a model railway is creating a piece of art every bit as valid as painting a picture. If anyone views it, their imagination will fill in all the missing bits. You have the enthusiasm, and you have learned from all your mistakes, which you have been so kind to share. I could not film myself; the sound of my own voice freaks me out. And for that matter I am no longer particularly photogenic!
great video adam like what you say on the mixing of different rolling stock from other counterys i do the sane my last video was the European running session i run german and European rolling stock on what is a typical British layout but works for me we have a saying it your layout run what you like if you enjoy it that's all that matters my friend 👍look forward to your next video enjoyed my visit to your channel cheers fro now al 🙋♂️👍👍😁🙋♂️
Dam dude, you think you have problems!!! :)) Mine started life about 14 years ago as American H0, lots of double-stack container trains, SD70'S, SD40'S, SD45'S etc etc. I spent literally thousands. I then got fed up with that, sold most of my HO stuff but still have drawers full of freight cars. Now layout is a mix of British 00, private owner wagons (circa 1930's) right through to Class 37's, pilot scheme diesels from the late 50's and a host of other shit I don't know what to do with! Infact, I don't know what to with the whole layout!!! :))
Hi Adam, thank you for a great video. I am getting back into the hobby after almost 20 years, and I am making mistakes all over the [lace. But I am having a great time. Life is a journey of learning.You appear to be well on your way, just enjoy. I have been retired for about 15 years now, my health is in the toilet, but I am loving every moment of dreaming, designing etc. my trains. Your work is really impressive, keep learning and sharing! RM
Full respect for your honesty and amazing down-to-earth approach. I haven't even started building a layout but I'm genuinely impressed by your attitude to just get on with it! Don't be so hard on yourself mate! If you're having fun then that's all that matters. And please stop with all the regrets, life is too short! Subscribing now.
As the song goes "Rip It Up And Start Again" !, and next time don't make the same mistakes, now is your chance to do something different and Incorporate it into your videos .
the loco you called freelance is an american loco ...gp30 it looks like.it wouldnt fit our uk loading gauge so move that off lol.also its a common mistake getting carried away buying nice things lol weve allllll done it .
It’s a GP9, the alternate history behind it is that most of the railway was destroyed during the welsh civil war against the UK, so after it was rebuild to a much more capable gauge allowing them to import various locos, or maybe the loco was built to a smaller size than standard as can be done in real life, there’s amaerocan outline locos on cape gauge lines in Africa for example, just a. Slightly scaled down body
Ouch.We have all done the same and our memories will always focus on our losses so we hopefully avoid them in the future. It is the hardest thing to focus and stick to a plan as bargains will always tempt us. Wish you well with the job search. We were in the same boat in the late 1970’s but all things pass. Good video.
Hey, thanks for your video. As a person who has been model railway building for 4 decades, I feel for you. My "no-g0" mistake would be to be very careful buying second hand locos. I have wasted money on engines which seemed good in the store/exhibition, but only lasted for a very short time before breaking down. Non motorised rolling stock is less risky and you can sometimes get a bargain. Keep at it!
Yeah I have made a couple mistakes with second had, I paid £80 for a class 56 that was repainted into Artemis rail which you can’t on my really see in ready to run form, turns out it’s a mainline model and runs appallingly! Definitely regret that but I’m hoping It’s fixable and just need a good clean! Cheers for the comment
yeah Hattons pay peanuts and then stick them on Ebay, so why not just sell on Ebay when they have one of their deal days where you pay no more than £3 in commission.
Hi . I have built all my layouts out of scrap railway bits . You can hide unsitly small boxes in bushes . Also if you have a modern layout with a heritage railway in it then you can run everything.. I have run a Bigby round it and it's not that big a layout really . I also prefer constant running to shunting ,so only fake points that look good but don't move . Stick at it ..I have years off but always come back .. good luck 🤞
Great video and the mistakes made i think most railway modelers have done. without mistakes no learning happens.your railway is good and you are the one to please the expression 'my railway my rules' always applies
The advantage of soldering to the track rather than the fishplates is that you're not relying on the fishplate / rail interface to supply power. With the track live it doesn't matter how tight the fishplates are.
Love the honest appraisal of the mistakes you have made and the regrets you have with your layout. I've been 30+ years thinking about it so you're doing well really! Keep up the good work, enjoy the casual approach to the video presentation as well. Cheers, Brian
with the points comment i would say your points are not that bad, they are simply not designed to be installed right after a hard turn, most of points work best on straight track (unless we talking special curved points) also if you don't have space for a lot of complex trach, go down in scale. tt is fairly popular scale , so is n , oh probably the most popular here where i live i build my own trains so i don't really care for big makers, and i only care for buying trash trains for parts, much more fun this way
Ref Hattons' used, I play Hattons Bingo with their used listings and see if I can find the following at hilarious prices.... "Wobbly runner" "only runs in reverse" "jerky runner" "missing bufferbeam" "missing decals" "glue marks on boiler"...usually for the bargain price of £90.
I fully concur with Number Two - Hornby power tracks are horrible. That was my first regret, when starting a new layout recently. Immediately swapped them for soldered droppers. The old style power clips can also be a problem, if you fit them in the wrong place (like the outside of a bend). My Duchess of Gloucester had its front steps ripped off, when it clobbered the connector. One advantage of soldering directly to a straight track (easier than you'd think), is the cost saving: R600 straight = £3, R8206 power track = £12! Another tip I learned the hard way, is never store your expensive stock in the loft. Temperature extremes can ruin it. (I've had several plastic gears split, on locos in storage).
We all make mistakes in our hobby. It's part of the learning process. I mothballed my hobby for many years due to lack of space and personal circumstances. Got going again during the lock down. Glad I kept everything. I have a very modest layout which is portable. Nothing is fixed down which let's me change things. I am mainly on the changeover period between steam and diesel so I can have both. Best of luck with all your future projects. Regards Paul 🚂 🚂 🚂.
Its a pilot or cow catcher not a plow, my layout is even smaller than yours 4'6" square I used Peco set track not really another suitable option. I fully agree with have a focus as my trains are of necessity short so have to choose carefully I found I had to get trains up and running quickly the rest I just do as and when I feel like it. Keep the layout as clean as you can very helpful. We all have bits we wish we had done done something different. Never be afraid to rip something out you are not happy with and re do it as something better, that is how we improve our skills and our layouts. Your honesty is refreshing but you do not need to run yourself down. To err is human to stuff things up completely takes a computor
It's good to be able to criticise your own work and admit what's wrong with it. There's a multitude of things I'd change but the mistakes are part of the learning process.
we have all got to start somewhere, the layout works, and looks quite good, as for the stock selection, it's your empire, you can model a frontier railway on Mars if you want!
Adam, your railway is your railway! Rule 1 applies------ it's your railway........ In time you can take the lessons learned with this layout, and develop your next one. As you say, don't rush it. Have fun, it's allowed!
Toy train set parts such as clip together track systems always lead to trouble with operation. Just talk to any decent club layout operators at exhibitions. Better still join a club and find out how to build a real model railway yourself. You'll also save a fortune !
Tanks for all the support on this video!
You c as n fund my latest video here: ua-cam.com/video/4BjIsLLIv_w/v-deo.html
Completion isn't the goal, enjoyment is. This layout exists for no other person but you. I find it's fun to make up a little story and let that lead the way. Paint over the graffiti, (Local council beautification project) Rip out the car park (Greenies won a vote) Swap out your locos (New management fixing the mistakes of the old). Best of luck!
Yeah there’s a story behind most my locomotives , for example all my broken engines are owned by a restoration company! Cheers for the comment
Swap out my locos? Never
I like to think: There is never an end, there is always more
This Hobby is Totally different to how I perceived it to be when I stuck my Toe in 5 years ago, and my Layout has evolved along with the knowledge I’ve gained - The Beauty of this Hobby Is that its Subjective - Some are in it for the trains, others for the Scenics, and you do what makes you happy, there is no Right or wrong with your layout, it is what it is, and if people tell you they wouldn’t have done something a particular way, then that’s their choice, it doesn’t make anything wrong. If you wanna grow your Channel, stop being so hard on yourself, and make films from a more positive angle, we all make what we perceive to be mistakes, and that’s how we learn not to do it again 🤷🏻♂️ So Cheer up, it’s Supposed to be Fun 🤩 🙌🏻✨
I can relate to much of what you are saying. I’m from Kansas City (USA) and much older, but I still struggled with lack of focus. A few years ago I met someone who has become one of my best friends. He introduced me to a group of layout owners who gather at one another’s homes for operating sessions. I learned some invaluable things out of this. First, building and running a layout with friends is more fun and takes advantage of the synergy created by the joining of different skill sets. Second, your space will be better utilized if you build around the perimeter rather than in the middle of the room. Third, even a spare bedroom can provide plenty of action if you make it an industrial layout or even a double decked layout. Fourth, build it with modules. I live in a small two bedroom duplex that we don’t own, but modular construction takes the fear out of building a layout because you can always move it with you if circumstances require. Fifth, don’t add scenery until you are sure the track plan actually works like you want it to. It’s a great hobby which utilized more skills than most hobbies. Good luck! Enjoy!
Good video 👍I’ll second the don’t sell you gear ,iv spent thousands over the years and all gone. Just starting out in my 50s again.nearly makes me cry when I look at the prices now .😪😪.
Yeah the prices are absolutely mental, even the bargains on the websites are still pretty bad, they say it’s due to inflation but I’m
Not convinced! Thanks for the comment!
TOMORROW'S PEOPLE CRY ! EVEN MORE !! NOW !!
Sooner or later the manufacturers are going to start wondering why their sales are falling.
I reckon most of us have the same or similar mistakes. Retrospect is a wonderful gift.
Certainly is! Never gonna be able to get my hands on my old stock again!
Hmmmm.. maybe the word 'Hind-sight' would be better, but a great comment none the less.
So true. If I was doing my layout again it would be very different in design and build. By not being realistic/thorough in the layout design phase gave me no end of problems trying to make it work it on a separable 8’x4’ baseboard.
@@jsa274l
Too many people seem to be soo focused on prototypical setups.. why not just run whatever locos and carriages you like and choose to run.. (That's what I do) it's your layout and why can't you run what you like and want.... ?? why be worried about what others say and think when it's YOUR layout... not theirs? Slow the train down when going through the setpoints and that will alleviate the derailing issues... or put a small piece of track in between the points to make it a longer area. The large loco (in preparation for the larger layout as this is a very very small layout and you will grow out of that in a matter of months... Take the items out of the boxes and then store the empty boxes elsewhere... in a wardrobe or cupboard not being used... most of these issues you are coming up with can be very easily sorted when you think outside of the box.. pun intended..
Like to see the younger generation getting into this hobby. I’m 15 and rarely see people around my age interested in this
People our age need to stay in it lol or it’s gonna die out bro so keep modelling!
Please stop calling yourself an idiot ! Everyone of us human beings learns by our mistakes.
So call yourself a student, or a learner, or an improver, or something like that.
This will be good for your personal self-respect, which will help other people to respect you.
The things you buy at first may be a bit random, but you can often sell them for almost as much as (& sometimes more than) you paid for them. There is a massive secondhand market in model trains. Use Ebay etc, or bring & buy stalls at clubs & exhibitions.
In building a layout, look for ways of doing things that can allow for easy change, modification & improvement.
Your unloved car park is easy to just paint over & restart from scratch, or to cover with houses, industrial buildings, a farm, a lake, etc.
And your "little diorama" can become a section of a bigger modular layout, something you may one day show at exhibitions.
to be fair most american locos are mis advrtized i got a scale trains csx police loco with the red and blue lights says can go on 22 radius which it can you just can have anything attached to it without the rolling stock derailing.
Good video, liked, but don't talk through your hand (11 minutes).
Hi Adam, thank you for posting this video! As a new model railway builder, I found this video so incredibly useful and interesting! You have mentioned things which I hadn't even considered! Well done on the video, the massive influx of subscribers and viewers too!
I dont see anything wrong with yours beacuse yours is way better than mine 😊
Just a quick tip (from and ex media teacher) don't do a piece to camera with your hand in front of your face.
about the points, i bought a brand new flying scotsman train set and mabey its because its a train set but my points broke the hour I opened the train set
Same happened to me made in China
Same here but hornby replaced them the same week for free so all good 👍
The feeder rail is good only for temporary layouts. For a permanent one, use fishplates with soldered wires, or solder wires on the side of the tracks.
Yeah I will do in my next layout whenever that gets started! Thanks for the comment!
Thanks to everyone for the insane amount of support on this video, I am genuinely mind blown! I will get back to comments ASAP and thanks for the 200-odd new subscribers it’s insane! Thanks for watching - Adam
I made the same mistake of selling railroad equipment cheap then buying more again later before you did. I think the rogue thought of that event floated over the Atlantic ocean into your head. Sorry about that.
Cover the power conector in foilage
Tip: if you aren’t on a tight budget, DON’T USE DC. Use DCC whenever you can.
Research, practice on small things before going big especially relevant to ballast or scenery, a practice on a junk piece of set track or two until happy saves a whole layout of dissatisfaction.
Don't avoid trying new things. Kits and self assembled bits and bobs make it far cheaper and far more enjoyable, something to be proud of, not just something you purchased.
Less is more in terms of track, less track = more space for thr track to look good and more shunting challenges.
You only gain experience by actually doing something. The only people that never make mistakes are those that are no longer with us. Learn from what you have done and your next project will be better for it.
“DONT RUSH THINGS” … imo, MOST IMPORTANT … re-think EVERYTHING
GOOD LUCK
Mate,... just keep up the good work... we all learn from our mistakes.. I sold all mine amd had to spend probably five fold to get back to where I was.... ho hum... well done.
You have obviously cracked it as I see you have 2.2k views, that is substantial.
I have been on UA-cam for about 10 years and have only about 650 subs although some videos have over 10k views, this could be because I have covered a variety of subjects and as such, the audience us divided.
I have collected trains probably for nearly 20 years on and off because I travelled for work and I didn’t have a layout.
It wasn’t until about two years ago I started a layout, my wife having affirmed me a 9’x9’ room. My dreams of having that big layout with big locos speeding down straight runs were dashed.
I managed to get one track laid in a big loop and had the Coronation, Flying Scotsman etc pulling full rakes but eventually added a few more tracks and points.
I didn’t plan it out too well and haven’t isolated any sections and cannot cross over. I must think that through before I start cutting track.
Many times I have thought I have collected too many locos and coaches, steam, diesel and electric locos covering a span of fine but I enjoy them all.
My layout is DC as when I first began to buy trains that was all that was around and before I knew it I was too far in and the cost to add chips was .
So I endeavour to service and maintain my locos and stock and get a great deal of enjoyment from small successes.
But I did buy a Hornby Digital Controller and have one chip so I might dedicate one track to DCC
So keep up the good work.
Regards
Yeah I think the title was the main reason it got views, it draws people in I guess! I’ve been doing this on and off for about 5 years I think, but it’s good you finally managed to get a layout and somewhere to run all your stock! Honestly I know nothing about electrics and isolating stuff so you probably did it better than I would lol, I have one DC controller for both tracks which isn’t optimal tbh! Cheers for the comment!
Charlie you don’t do to bad my friend hope all’s going well with the live streams. 👌😎Fred
@wilbury Castle Hi Fred, watching the Monday Club right now. Have done a couple of videos on servicing my locos and just had to give up on my class 29 as I lost one of those tiny springs! Who do you recommend for parts?
I did a live video last night about the Chevrolet Camaro, that had its own live challenges but it ended well. That was episode 5
Cool
For No.7 I thought of selling a Hornby King to Hattons and it cost me (in Aussie dollars) $350 and in Aussie dollars Hattons was going to give me $90 so I declined their offer. If buying off Ebay then for some reason some people think that a model in it's original box with all the paperwork is worth double what it cost new. I bought a Bachmann Blue Pullman in Nanking Blue here in Australia from a model railway shop long after they'd sold out in the UK. and it cost me $630. I went on Ebay and the exact same model purported to be brand new was $1,300. I have a horrible thought that someone bought it thinking they got the bargain of the century when in fact they were totally ripped off.
my layout isn't the best - its just a simple 4x8 track .... but the THEME is what gets me the most compliments !! .... the rolling stock AND the accesories are from similar time frames !!
Rule number 1 applies. It's your railway so you get to run what you want.
That said if you've got something you don't really use then don't be afraid to sell it off to fund something you might want. But as you say its worth thinking carefully about it beforehand. I think Iron Horse Railways on here did z video on the subject not too long ago so maybe it's worth checking that out.
Plus you could always say the bubble car is in a 'heritage' livery like the Southern 313 or the SWR 455.
Personally I go from Steam right through BR green, Diesel Transition to the Blue Era and now into Sectorisation, since I grew up through the 80s and saw that era come in.
Everard Junction is a good 'early' sectorisation era layout if you haven't seen it but your layout looks a lot of fun. I definitely agree on that power track though. It's the same size as an R600 straight so maybe lifting it and putting one in with the wires soldered in place would look better. It should be easy enough as it doesn't look like you've ballasted the track so it should be pretty straight forward.
For points, Peco do a good range and you can often get 'new' old stock ones on Ebay for, well, beans really. So maybe that's an option. Really Hornby's set track points are too tight for even a siding.
As to the big locos, maybe its worth putting together an 'American' inglenook layout for it. That way it can run without striking the DCC connector and risking damage. That might fit on a 4x1 ft board and you'd only really need a few wagons to shunt around.
Hang on to that lovely American loco, you were not an idiot to buy it, they are amazing machines!
I use KATO track on my USA themed layout, not based on any real location, but a Shortline style set up, so I can run " Fallen Flag" locos of different vintages.
Having worked on BR as a train driver for 42 years, I wanted something different!
Enjoy your railway mate and carry on making mistakes, it's part of the learning process .
As long as you still want to create that 3d picture, that you see in your mind, you'll enjoy the hobby!
No value judgement meant here. Only calling it for what it IS ( which, though, is perfectly OK for you and others ).
I.E.
Your chosen modeling level, all around, is a tad on the 'toyish' side anyway and nowhere near what a seasoned modeler would call a 'fine-scale' model railroad..You yourself point some that out at the onset, right up thru to 5:00 ! What's most strikingly wrong is your mixing British with US locos and cars AND thus, couplers ! Also, betting the 'freelanced' US diesel [ 3:49 ] is 1:87 HO, looking too small next to 1:76 OO scale. At least if you'd picked one and stuck with it (likely British for you), then, ONLY the eras would be in question ('50s-ish 'transition era' justifying steam AND diesel side by side), and NOT country/continent of origin !!!
So:
Due TO all this, the placement of the Power Terminal being where you did put it is perfectly in balance with everything else..Of course you needn't have drilled such a gaping hole just for 2 wires to go through. You can still move terminal elsewhere. Or remove it altogether and solder the 2 leads to the rails...But if you keep it where it is, perhaps a tiny signal box/tower on top of it, or just some bushes, mound of ballast, say.
Finally :
It's NOT your (acute, #4-seeming) switches/points causing the DERAILS !..
The derails are because you've formed ' S curves WITH them. Especially long coaches will derail on tight S curves. Usually it's 2 cars having their couplers MAXED outward in OPPOSITE directions that causes the trucks/bogies to lift off the rails. The rule of thumb is:
A section of TANGENT (straight track) the length of your longest rail vehicle needs to be between opposing track SPIRALS (curves)..And you haven't them..
In any case I've still enjoyed your video and gave you a thumbs up....It matters not, what anyone does hobby-wise. It's only that one realizes the level of his or her indulgence in it and perhaps is willing to learn from others further along in it. And even THAT is not a prerequisite to being in ANY hobby. Why? For the very reason that it IS, just a hobby !!
Thanks for being so honest about your frustrations. It made me laugh about all the stupid things I've done. It's weird how sharing failures is relieving. Keep your pecker up. You won me over as a new subscriber.
If you can afford to change the points to Peco set track and fish plates!.you won't get so many,if any de railments!
I think I will make use of peco turnouts on my next layout, I don’t really do much shunting or track switching on this current layout it’s very much just roundy roundy! Thanks for the comment
It's a learning curve and it takes time to 'mature'. The biggest mistake most model RRs make is starting without a 'plan' and build quantity spaghetti layouts of poor quality with tight curves. The most beautiful and successful layouts are 'less is more' on a consistent 'theme' including harmonie of colors and 'time period' and can be prototypical or freelance. Learn from proven designs and have a look at real world railroads, including landscape and geography....all in context of the choice of 'scale' to the room 'layout surface' you have.
If you could, an elevated level above those tracks would add interest but if it was just a basic oval there would be less problem running the big American job, knowing what you know about the things it fouls. The track could be started running along that tunnel top.
I think you’d get a lot more subs if you were snappy on the editing: with this title viewers will expect a quick top 10 list, every frame in here where you’re not talking is a diversion from the viewer’s goal. Also, I’m sorry you got a rough deal when selling your trains, we all do things we regret in moments of panic; but your explanation of that could probably have been edited down to 30 seconds without losing any crucial info. When your videos are as good as they have the potential to be, you’ll get the subs.
I'd enjoy the modelling work but I know when i got everything completed I'd be wondering what do i do with it and get bored. I guess some will say the work is never completed (like gardening), but that sounds like 'd just be setting myself an everlasting chore.
Nicely done,,thanks for sharing,,😊
One thing I really hate about model railways is the really tight corners. I realise that you can't avoid them due to space, but they always look terrible.
Mind you - I don't have a model railway, and likely never will do...
Why have yoi not changed the things that you don't like. Some of the things are simple and others are part of developing a layout. Selling off what you don't want is part of modelling.
I used to buy different locos but then sticked to west midlands 2000 era
Snap we were moving house so I must of had about 6 grand of trains and stations miles and miles of track sold it all for quarter of the price now not moving so I have started again but everything is so pricey today i do regret selling but that’s life half of my money went to the wife now she has left for pastures new just me and my best mate ruby the cockapoo but we are happy and my first train set is the Hogwarts express 😊
Point number 1.
You wouldn't ues the track base you used in future.
What is it?
And why don't you like it?
Great video! What size is your base board please??
6x4 ft I believe
@@Locoforce super thanks :)
When I started modelling again I built a small layout, and used it to redevelop my skills, find out what I was good at and what I needed to practice. Needless to say I made mistakes, cleared them away and did it again, or did different. The basic track plan was not altered, only the scenery. I operate on the the principle of it’s my layout I’ll run what I want, but I do have a theme. Late 50 / early 60 south midlands, but I can shift back or forwards by changing a few scenic elements.
Try to keep your camera movements down. It spoils what you are trying to achieve.
Been there, done that!
Have a look at the diesels on the Hartz Mountain line (metre gauge). If anything is outsize, they are. They are almost one and a half times the height of the rolling stock. There is one tunnel on that line (58 metres long), and I wonder how they get though it, probably with millimetres to spare.
I am building a OO9/HOe layout based on a fictional Scottish setting. I have made mistakes as well. My first mistake was to buy a Bachmann Lynton & Barnstable 2-6-2. Lovely runner. It cannot go round the minimum radii that I have. If I knew that the minimum radius was 30 cm, I would not have bought it at £150 or so. Experience is a good school, but the fees are high.
Electrofrogs can also be tricky; you get short circuits on some settings. I thought I knew about electrics (at my age, I am strictly analogue), until I tried electrofrogs. Complex switching helps... So don't dismiss set track. It is useful in fiddle yards on any future layout that you make.
Selling my old stuff is the worst thing you can do. I have done that and I felt I had sold part of myself. This was ancient Hornby (in those days Tri-ang) stuff. Rather coarse scale, but I have been interested in trains my entire life, so it was part of me.
You have had a go at scratch-building an American themed locomotive. It has come out well. You could have a go at scratch-building free-lance locos or stock, which is what I have been doing, and I have two left hands, all thumbs. I have been doing this for my line, which saves a shed-load of money (£50 for a loco, rather than £150 - 200). And very satisfying. As for buildings, there are several manfacturerers of brickpapers or plastic sheets embossed with brick/stone/tiles/corrugated iron.
Above all, think about the positives. Building a model railway is creating a piece of art every bit as valid as painting a picture. If anyone views it, their imagination will fill in all the missing bits. You have the enthusiasm, and you have learned from all your mistakes, which you have been so kind to share. I could not film myself; the sound of my own voice freaks me out. And for that matter I am no longer particularly photogenic!
great video adam like what you say on the mixing of different rolling stock from other counterys i do the sane my last video was the European running session i run german and European rolling stock on what is a typical British layout but works for me we have a saying it your layout run what you like if you enjoy it that's all that matters my friend 👍look forward to your next video enjoyed my visit to your channel cheers fro now al 🙋♂️👍👍😁🙋♂️
Yeah I like to run whatever it’s sort of a blessing and a curse lol! Cheers for the comment!
Hi from Garth Close don't give up I in jord it keep it up lot think about
Solder wires to fish plates and then join the track as usual.
Dam dude, you think you have problems!!! :)) Mine started life about 14 years ago as American H0, lots of double-stack container trains, SD70'S, SD40'S, SD45'S etc etc. I spent literally thousands.
I then got fed up with that, sold most of my HO stuff but still have drawers full of freight cars. Now layout is a mix of British 00, private owner wagons (circa 1930's) right through to Class 37's, pilot scheme diesels from the late 50's and a host of other shit I don't know what to do with! Infact, I don't know what to with the whole layout!!! :))
Quite the mix of stuff lol I do plan to get more American outline stuff but only Canadian road names! Thanks for the comment!
I use peco fish plates with wire soldered on for track power fèed
It's you railway, so run what you like
Hi Adam, thank you for a great video. I am getting back into the hobby after almost 20 years, and I am making mistakes all over the [lace. But I am having a great time. Life is a journey of learning.You appear to be well on your way, just enjoy. I have been retired for about 15 years now, my health is in the toilet, but I am loving every moment of dreaming, designing etc. my trains. Your work is really impressive, keep learning and sharing! RM
Don’t redo graffiti- just go over the top like in real life!
Hi from Amman Jordan, nice video, keep it up
Please stop talking to your hand.
My layout is a heritage main line cross over so I can have modern and old
I open your video, I see loads of trains with Welsh flags, I like and subscribe. Layout looks awesome too.
Hell yeah lol, not welsh myself but my missus is and I’m up there quite a lot! Thanks for the comment!
I used to be indecisive---but now I'm not sure!
Full respect for your honesty and amazing down-to-earth approach. I haven't even started building a layout but I'm genuinely impressed by your attitude to just get on with it! Don't be so hard on yourself mate! If you're having fun then that's all that matters. And please stop with all the regrets, life is too short! Subscribing now.
Sorry, I had to stop before I got seasick with all the jumping about. Maybe next time.
Nice one 💀💀
Put some litchin round it or a small rail box 😊
Good efforts,keep plugging on.🚂🚃🚃🚃🇨🇦
Thank you!
Keep the camera still would help!
Like the new video very much.
Thank you!!
Derailment at points check the back to back measurements on your rolling stock.
As the song goes "Rip It Up And Start Again" !, and next time don't make the same mistakes, now is your chance to do something different and Incorporate it into your videos .
Exactly, and once I have the room to make a bigger/ newer layout I’ll take the things I’ve found out on board!
Don't use Cork it goes brittle
Can I run a DCC power track to a DC controller ?
2nd GWR vid,, Taunton right?
Remember you do this for fun.
Good info enjoyed this video well done
YOU SAID THE PROTOTYPICAL WORD...... NOT A GOOD START. YET ANOTHER PROTOTYPICAL FAN
💀💀
the loco you called freelance is an american loco ...gp30 it looks like.it wouldnt fit our uk loading gauge so move that off lol.also its a common mistake getting carried away buying nice things lol weve allllll done it .
It’s a GP9, the alternate history behind it is that most of the railway was destroyed during the welsh civil war against the UK, so after it was rebuild to a much more capable gauge allowing them to import various locos, or maybe the loco was built to a smaller size than standard as can be done in real life, there’s amaerocan outline locos on cape gauge lines in Africa for example, just a. Slightly scaled down body
Ouch.We have all done the same and our memories will always focus on our losses so we hopefully avoid them in the future. It is the hardest thing to focus and stick to a plan as bargains will always tempt us. Wish you well with the job search. We were in the same boat in the late 1970’s but all things pass. Good video.
Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for the tips!
Hey, thanks for your video. As a person who has been model railway building for 4 decades, I feel for you. My "no-g0" mistake would be to be very careful buying second hand locos. I have wasted money on engines which seemed good in the store/exhibition, but only lasted for a very short time before breaking down. Non motorised rolling stock is less risky and you can sometimes get a bargain. Keep at it!
Yeah I have made a couple mistakes with second had, I paid £80 for a class 56 that was repainted into Artemis rail which you can’t on my really see in ready to run form, turns out it’s a mainline model and runs appallingly! Definitely regret that but I’m hoping It’s fixable and just need a good clean! Cheers for the comment
I don't think my layout will ever be finished, in fact it's not really started yet! Thanks for uploading.
yeah Hattons pay peanuts and then stick them on Ebay, so why not just sell on Ebay when they have one of their deal days where you pay no more than £3 in commission.
Yeah anything I sold recently I sold on eBay!
A "FREEDOM" loco.
Hi .
I have built all my layouts out of scrap railway bits . You can hide unsitly small boxes in bushes . Also if you have a modern layout with a heritage railway in it then you can run everything..
I have run a Bigby round it and it's not that big a layout really .
I also prefer constant running to shunting
,so only fake points that look good but don't move .
Stick at it ..I have years off but always come back .. good luck 🤞
A most impressive view count there! Things develop over time, as long as you have fun that's all that matters. Mike.
Scrap it and do better
Hi
Get rid of car park and create work yard or railyard , a railyard would be good to do some shunting.
Regards
David
I would like too, but the curves would have to be insanely tight to actually get track there, bear in mind the board is about 6x4ft
Great video and the mistakes made i think most railway modelers have done. without mistakes no learning happens.your railway is good and you are the one to please the expression 'my railway my rules' always applies
Thanks very much for the comment!
You can buy fish plates with wires already soldered to then.then drill very small holes to feed the wires through the board.very discreet!
The advantage of soldering to the track rather than the fishplates is that you're not relying on the fishplate / rail interface to supply power. With the track live it doesn't matter how tight the fishplates are.
Love the honest appraisal of the mistakes you have made and the regrets you have with your layout.
I've been 30+ years thinking about it so you're doing well really!
Keep up the good work, enjoy the casual approach to the video presentation as well.
Cheers,
Brian
Thanks for the comment!
with the points comment i would say your points are not that bad, they are simply not designed to be installed right after a hard turn, most of points work best on straight track (unless we talking special curved points) also if you don't have space for a lot of complex trach, go down in scale. tt is fairly popular scale , so is n , oh probably the most popular here where i live
i build my own trains so i don't really care for big makers, and i only care for buying trash trains for parts, much more fun this way
If you are selling, it is best, I think, to sell directly to another modeller via Ebay or Facebook
Viewer friendly
Ref Hattons' used, I play Hattons Bingo with their used listings and see if I can find the following at hilarious prices.... "Wobbly runner" "only runs in reverse" "jerky runner" "missing bufferbeam" "missing decals" "glue marks on boiler"...usually for the bargain price of £90.
I fully concur with Number Two - Hornby power tracks are horrible. That was my first regret, when starting a new layout recently. Immediately swapped them for soldered droppers.
The old style power clips can also be a problem, if you fit them in the wrong place (like the outside of a bend). My Duchess of Gloucester had its front steps ripped off, when it clobbered the connector.
One advantage of soldering directly to a straight track (easier than you'd think), is the cost saving: R600 straight = £3, R8206 power track = £12!
Another tip I learned the hard way, is never store your expensive stock in the loft. Temperature extremes can ruin it. (I've had several plastic gears split, on locos in storage).
We all make mistakes in our hobby. It's part of the learning process. I mothballed my hobby for many years due to lack of space and personal circumstances. Got going again during the lock down. Glad I kept everything. I have a very modest layout which is portable. Nothing is fixed down which let's me change things. I am mainly on the changeover period between steam and diesel so I can have both. Best of luck with all your future projects. Regards Paul 🚂 🚂 🚂.
felt sea-sick after about 2 minutes of wobbly camera work
filmed this two years ago lil bro calm down and dont watch it
Its a pilot or cow catcher not a plow, my layout is even smaller than yours 4'6" square I used Peco set track not really another suitable option.
I fully agree with have a focus as my trains are of necessity short so have to choose carefully
I found I had to get trains up and running quickly the rest I just do as and when I feel like it.
Keep the layout as clean as you can very helpful.
We all have bits we wish we had done done something different.
Never be afraid to rip something out you are not happy with and re do it as something better, that is how we improve our skills and our layouts.
Your honesty is refreshing but you do not need to run yourself down.
To err is human to stuff things up completely takes a computor
It's good to be able to criticise your own work and admit what's wrong with it. There's a multitude of things I'd change but the mistakes are part of the learning process.
we have all got to start somewhere, the layout works, and looks quite good, as for the stock selection, it's your empire, you can model a frontier railway on Mars if you want!
Thanks for the comment!
Adam, your railway is your railway! Rule 1 applies------ it's your railway........ In time you can take the lessons learned with this layout, and develop your next one. As you say, don't rush it. Have fun, it's allowed!
Toy train set parts such as clip together track systems always lead to trouble with operation. Just talk to any decent club layout operators at exhibitions. Better still join a club and find out how to build a real model railway yourself. You'll also save a fortune !
dont get... lol, I have a Hornby 9f that derails for a past time
A good video and I like your philosophy of 'you have the rest of your life to complete it'.
I found this useful. Regular bloke sharing the kind of pitfalls we all face. Made some very valid points.