You can just see how proud this gentleman is of all his hard work!! I cant imagine the hours he has put into this. He was as excited as a kid at Christmas to tell everyone about the details!! Make's me wish I had somewhere to build a new layout. Trains don't belong in boxes put away!!! Thanks for sharing.......Darryl, AML.
Allegheny Mountain Living , In an APT here in San Diego there are two many trains to be kept out of boxes and shelves are not allowed to have displays. Dust is unreal so I would have too much dirt to wipe off every day!
I don't understand how there can be any dislikes on this video. The man obviously has turned his passion into a work of art for himself. This is an amazing accomplishment for anyone!
My 2 year old has recently become obsessed with trains. He loved this video. My dad would be so proud to see his grandson loving trains. My dad was an engineer and had a great model train setup in our attic--complete with a snow-capped mountain! My dad died when I was a child but I still remember sitting up there with him while he worked on his trains. My uncle also had a great model train set-up in his basement and he passed away a couple years ago. Trains remind me of these two wonderful men. So glad my little boy loves it too.
Hi Sarah Martin, Thanks for viewing and sharing. I have something for your son, here is the link of the "extended cut" of John's layout. Here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html Enjoy! Lou
It's not work, it's not recreation, it is a labor of love for anyone to build something like this. I salute you and all of you that put these things together. I had a layout when I was a kid and loved it for years. Then a divorce happened and it all went away. That was too bad and part of the fallout that lasted a lifetime. I still enjoy looking at these things and going to the railroad museums. Great job my friend, great job and a true labor of love !!!
+Steven Thompson Hi Steven Thompson, thanks for your kind words and viewing. If you'd like to view a "extended cut" of John's layout here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html If you cut and paste that into your browser, you can view the video, take care, Lou
Have you considered attaching a Go-Pro camera to the train to give a different perspective? It would go where you can't physically walk and video. I'm sure Go Pro would gladly give you a few cameras! Amazing job!
@@dexieboui4956 There are a LOT of model railroad videos on UA-cam shot from the perspective of the locomotive. I saw one in person and the camera was inside the loco so you couldn't even see it when the train passed by. I'm not sure how they go about setting that up, but it's certainly possible.
Hi Film Guy, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Having read some of the comments hereon it is noticeable that the vast majority of viewers are truly impressed and that this video has given a great deal of joy to over half-a-million people. That must surely say it all. However, I fear the title asking if it is the 'greatest' will make many squirm and, in particular because he is such a real nice guy, John Muccianti. No two people will ever agree what is the 'greatest' because the parameters are so wide and it is a case of 'each to his own'. Congratulations to John for building it - he is the perfect example of the hobbyist who does his own thing and gets such enjoyment from it. Model Railroader calls this 'the World's Greatest Hobby' and I believe that all of us who are involved in it in any way are the luckiest people alive. I think this is the Greatest Private Model Railroad ever to John and I admire and envy him the deep feelings of pleasure and well-being he must have. There may be anachronisms and things that don't appeal to some individuals (it's not my personal cup of tea, but I'm not trying to say whether my views are better or worse)) but it sure is a hell of a lot better than most of us can aspire to in our lifetimes. It's people like John who show the the less-fortunate (those who aren't railway/railroad modellers) what they are missing from their lives. It is the World's Greatest Hobby. Jeremy English
Lou Costabile Before I forget, if you'd like to see the "Extended Cut" of John's layout, here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html Take care, Lou
It amazes me how anyone can criticize this guy, it's a fabulous layout with many great features. He said it isn't done and he's always got something to do. Perhaps the wires are going to go in as he wires the buildings and so what if they never go in it looks great.
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
WOW! Now as a Modeler of over Fifty Years I will say THIS Is a DREAM LAYOUT! Just... WOW! VERY WELL DONE John! I saved this video to show others AND to use for reference! :D
This just brings joy to see someone so passionate about what they've done, I'm not a big enthusiast but I sure can appreciate the detail and dedication put in it! And sure as hell would love to own the set.
Hi Matthew, Thanks for viewing and sharing such kind words. If you'd like to view the "extended cut" of John's layout, here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html Take care, Lou
30 years!!!!!... this guy only looks to be 40 what the hell. If I knew I was going to live in one place long enough, I would have started 15 years ago, but I seem to move every 3-4 years :( What I love about this layout is that he did it his way. This layout is as exciting as the craftsman who built it. Thank you for sharing John. I better get to work I'm a late bloomer.
Andrew Borges I totally agree, he's one of these guys who asks a question and doesn't want to hear the answer 😂, I was really intrigued about what the gentleman actually had to say!
Hello Martin, Before you jump to conclusions that "he's one of these guys who asks questions and doesn't want to hear the answers, I'll share with you the "extended cut" of John's layout, enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
that dude is nice as hell, and you can tell he loves his layout...i personally dont see it as one of the best, due to how unrealistic it is, but he loves it and thats all that matters.
I absolutely LOVE the mixture of prototypical railroading, whimsical/fantasy & comedic operations here. You can hear this guy's PASSION and purpose for this railroad. It's 30 years of his life. There is a spectacular representation here - Tyco, Athearn, Hot Wheels/Matchbox, Wiking, Herpa, Walthers, you name it...this guy uses it. It looks FUN. Great job, John!
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
This guy is so nice. I've spoken to so many long-time model railway enthusiast who are so arrogant about their layouts, and patronising to beginners. This guy is so humble. It's lovely
Hi Richard, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Hi HypeFox 5678, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
It's funny to see all the critical comments from people who don't even HAVE a layout, lol. The guy who made this film is obviously a fan of the guy who made the layout. So there are imperfections and things aren't all in-scale. It's still a very nice layout, and represents a whole lot of work. It's more about fun and less about rules, so chill out!
+BillXCIII I agree, but c'mon. half the videos on UA-cam are titled that way to make us watch. It's a matter of opinion, and maybe the author of the title and video really thought that. Who knows? I just think it's funny/sad how abusive people can get over such a thing. I would like to see how they react in the instance of some real-life issues, lol.
+Curtis ChooChoo Hi Curtis ChooChoo, Reason why I titled it this way, is I really thought this might be the "Greatest", however I added the "?" so Viewers could comment and share other private HO model RR's. I've seen many public amazing model railroads shared in comments by Viewers, as they share video links, however Johns layout is still right up there with the best model railroads. I understood there would be positive and negative reactions, but the goal was to share this never before videoed model railroad for the public to view. Take care, Lou
@@loucostabile it's a great layout that's for sure...I have a buddy who has his entire garage devoted to his layout...as soon as I build my house I will be starting on my layout...I can't wait...I've had 4 layouts so far, 3 in N scale...like he said...they are never done...that's the beauty of it...
Hi Venu gopal, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
I noticed he has one of those very old Texaco Tanker ships Texaco used to sell at their stations. That's very cool. Also the big gray tugboat! Ships really make a layout special.
Glad you enjoy this layout Siku Corleone RC. If you'd like to see more model RR layouts type into UA-cam search "Lou Costabile trains" and they should come right up. Enjoy! Lou
BaltimoreAndOhioRR Hi BaltimoreAndOhioRR, Thanks for viewing and sharing. Viewers have asked for a little more of John's layout. If you'd like to see the "extended cut" here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html Wishing you a restful Christmas, Lou
Absolutely awesome! Forget all the losers claiming to see bigger... of course, there is always bigger and better... blah F'in blah! This layout is amazing and the guy should be extremely proud of his work. Anyone that thinks otherwise, has no F'in clue what is involved at this level.
Hi, Thank you for such a wonderful comment. If you'd like to see the "extended cut" of John's layout, here is the link, Lou ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
You're the one that doesn't have a clue. This isn't a model train layout, it's a toy collection with some railroad tracks tossed on. IT'S A MESS. Go take a look at some REAL Model Train layouts. There are literally HUNDREDS of them on UA-cam. Hell, this thing has cars and trucks of two or three difference sizes, and that CIRCUS?? COME ON, YOU GOTT BE KIDDING ME.
@@budm.1450 So what if it has a few different scales; it is a _privately owned_ railroad. If it makes the owner happy and brings joy to a few others in the bargain then kudos to him.
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Very nice, large Layout. As we MRR'ers know, a Model Railroad is NEVER done!!! There's always upgrades, enhancements, improvements.... That's what keeps it a HOBBY! ;)
+Lou Costabile It was my pleasure. Thanks for sharing these beautiful Layouts from across the Country! A lot of young modelers NEED to see things like this!
That would be great if they watch. One of the reasons I do the videos is the Younger people watch UA-cam vs I watch TV. This allows me to speak the younger peoples language. Thanks for your encouragement, Lou
wow... that is amazing. The only pathetic bit of criticism I can manage is that there are an awful lot of cars and trucks, but other than that, amazing. 30 years well spent!
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Omg!, talent, brains, and creativity on steroids! Superbly done. Man am I glad I ran across this awesome video! Thank you for sharing your passion! I loved it! 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃toot tooooot!!!
HI Love & Light, Welcome to the Channel. If you'd like to see more train layouts type in UA-cam search "Lou Costabile train" and if you happen to like cars, type in "My Car Story with Lou". Enjoy, Lou
Now before anyone goes mental here, while it IS a life-long creation as we can all see, I would have to disagree that it's the GREATEST HO layout ever? Again, I'm not knocking it because you can see the man has put a great deal of dedication & love of the hobby into the layout but, if you want to see the greatest layouts ever, check out the layout by Vic Smith who calls his layout "City Edge". Or, check out the layout MA&G RR by Cliff Powers. It's a coin toss as to which of those two are the GREATEST HO layouts out there today! This one is cool, but far from the greatest, sorry. Please understand I'm not being mean or negative at all, just my opinion on this particular layout.
Hi Bernhardt, Thanks for viewing and sharing. Feel free to see the video of the "extended cut" on John's layout. Here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html Lou
i've read a lot of comments here, & a lot were negetave even though they may have been true, but this guy likes it, has had fun so why bash him? it's his, & he's happy so let it be! some people can't do any where near this nice. i enjoyed it anyway! yes i've seen a Lot of highly detailed layouts including the ones mentioned here!
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Wow...the spirit of John Allen was DEFINITELY smiling down on this builder!!! This is FABULOUS WORK!!! And Mr. Muccianti is 100% correct when he states a model railroad is never finished...
Lou you can see John's layout is a work of passion. He is totally into every inch of the layout. Nice job John...it must be nice to have a 30 x 30 area to work with. May John have many more years of enjoyment. Thanks for sharing.
Scott Connors Train layouts are designed to be fun and imaginative, no matter what level your hobby skills are at. The majority of Viewers have been very kind. I focus on that and the constructive remarks.
Hi Tom, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
This guy is one of the best I've seen. I stumbled across this and anyone who puts that many years into something like this is a freaking icon in my book!
I would never begrudge anyone a hobby they have enjoyed for decades, but to be honest, this is neither exceptionally large nor very well done. Check out some of the Kalmbach "Great Model Railroads" videos to see what some of the really talented among model railroaders have done.
I think it's a very nice model layout, very impressive and must have taken a very long time. Only thing I would remove (but that's a personal choice), is the Hot Wheels, mostly because Hot Wheels are either fantasy cars or the measurements are wrong, Hot Wheels are either too wide or too long or too short when compared to real cars. Matchbox cars are closer to the real thing, but the problem with both Hot Wheels and Matchbox is that the scale usually isn't 1/87 but 1/64, which makes these cars look too big and kinda fat when they are in a 1/87 landscape, especially when parked in front of a 1/87 house, or when a 1/87 train passes by. The trains and buildings in this video are very nice, and good background images that create a lot of depth. The boats and the circus are very nice too.
Hi Micha Kuiper, Thanks for viewing and sharing. If you'd like to see the "extended cut" of John's layout, here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html Take care, Lou
was going to add the same thing. Impressive scale and size layout however I definitely agree that Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars make a layout look "toyish" . It sucks to have to buy hobby scale vehicles , but you really have no choice. Also I think you should never have vehicles on the road that have no occupants.....nothing looks worse that empty vehicles on the street. You have to get figures inside them somehow. Unfortunately he has way to many different scale vehicles on this layout....they are way...way out of scale.
I mean the track layout itself and the way everything is joined together works really nice...he did a fine job there. Ill bet if he removed about 75% of those vehicles...it wold make a huge improvement.
John, this really needs to be moved into a museum before ya get too much older. Your passion is wonderful, and this layout is exemplary. It really needs to be preserved as it really is a piece of historical art. Hats off to you John, you're a terrific artist.
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Hi LITTLE, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Hi Marshmallowlol, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
A good 7 years ago this video made me want to have a model railway, thank you so much, although I dont think mine even in 30 years will be as detailed this, you have done such a amazing job! 👍
Hi Edward, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) As long as you're having fun with your layout, that is the important thing. Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Our videographer's assertion of "Greatest..........Layout Ever" reveals the distinct possibility that he has not been exposed to many other great layouts. My complements to his professionalism, but the veracity of his claim is in serious doubt compared to what I know to be out there.
Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Hi Hornhausen, Thanks for viewing and sharing. If you'd like to view the "extended cut" of John's layout, here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html Lou
As a model railroader I watched this when I was 6 and it fueled my inspiration. I was sad then because my allowance was only a quarter and that ment I couldn't do this stuf
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
I was fortunate enough to be a conductor/locomotive engineer from 2004 to 2009. After the layoff I decided not to go back when called but I was sure a could job. Switching both as the conductor and later as an engineer. Belt pack in Saskatoon yard and handling the hills and curves on the way from Chapleau to White River. Nice job I would love to see it in person. It's amazing!
We loved seeing your railroad layout. My husband has some of the same buildings in his model railroad but has a smaller layout. We thought your scenery was so interesting and colorful. It was really enjoyable to view and we wish we could see it in person. It was great to see a fellow model railroader who enjoyed railroading. Thanks for sharing all of your hard work!
Yes the Aspie in me noticed that detail immediately. When people make silly claims like The best, The greatest, No detail missing (etc) I love to shoot them down for a vicious thrill. It is possible to say things like "Check this mans devotion to his hobby over thirty years" rather than use ambit intensifiers (and sound like a two year old in a toy shop). Unsurprisingly the vid was somewhat of a letdown for me. Good catenary and power lines in HO are a beautiful thing however.
you need to spend a afternoon on youtube and see more layouts if you think this is the greatest in the world? I'm sure he is a nice guy. However this is not even close.
Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
People going on about the level of detail saying it was bad. For a 30 yeat old project its very good, dont forget 30 years ago they didnt have the sort of equipment that we do nowadays. In 30 years from now people will look at our model railroads that we think look amazing and think they look bad. Personally i think the whole thing is amazing. It takes years to perfect a much smaller railroad and that is huge, hats off to you Lou. Brian from Liverpool, UK
I had a small H O train set that took up about half a bedroom. My friend had on set up on a ping pong table. We had many adventures and stories we made up about our towns. One engine I had would make smoke if I put the oil in it. It smelled bad so I didn't make it smoke that often. This guy's setup is fun to look at and brings back fond memories. Thanks!
Hi Ray S, Glad you enjoy this layout :-) Here is a playlist of trains I've made for you. Enjoy! Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Thank you for viewing & sharing :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Whoever filmed this made it very difficult to watch. It was like being on a bad roller coaster ride, with the up and down movements to his camera. Maybe if he had used a tripod, or had a Go-Pro camera, which really would have helped improve his video coverage of an above average layout.
Hi Jeff Lange, I videoed and you're right, I'm not a professional. However the good news is I videoed an "extended cut" to John's layout and hopefully a better video for you to watch. Here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html Enjoy! Lou
Thank you for viewing & sharing :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
I am in awe of your layout,Sir. My father and I have just started to work again on our HO layout that he originally purchased for me for Xmas 1976...It won't take up quite as much space,but we're already working on two levels,LOL...To see your work is inspiring. Pay no mind to the trolls and keep up the excellent work!
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Hate to burst anyone's bubble here. But...You really should investigate before making such statements. Just the beginning of your video shows toy cars, trucks, and busses that are NOT...NOT HO guage. Place any HO engine side by side with that bus, and you fail instantly. ATTENTION TO DETAIL is what makes the GREATEST HO layout. Not somebody who has never seen other layouts that Exceed all expectations. 30 Years is commendable. But DETAIL comes first. Anyone who visits UA-cam knows...there are many more realistic layouts.
He's using Hot Wheels sized vehicles. I can't remember exactly what scale that is, but somewhere between 1:43 and 1:87 which is HO scale. It would be expensive to source enough vehicles to fill out this one in HO scale, and even in America, it's only in recent times that model train manufacturers have started making them with decent detail
Greg B Believe it or not, the makers of Hot Wheels claims their vehicles are what is considered 1:76 scale which at one time was popular and they went around & around for a couple of years as to whether or not they wanted to change the scale closer to 1:87 and claimed the remolding would be astronomical in cost so that idea was scrubbed. I learned that at a Hot Wheels show in San Diego, CA at the convention center back in 1999.
Thank you for viewing & sharing :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
I’d love to build this again. My grandfather and I (him mostly for the first 20 years) build a huge set. It was 4 pieces of 5/8s plywood made into a huge table. And had 6 of those levels. So it was 3 levels on one huge table and then eventually built another one. It was so huge. They all connected and all the levels were connected also. I’d imagine to say that there was at lease 20-30 grand all together spent over the years (1979-2003) I miss it so much. Today I live very simple and I couldn’t imagine having something so permanent. Everything in my life always seem to go or taken away from me. But I would love to build something like this again. It’s cool that people still build these things still. Good luck with it.
Hi Bobby G., Thank you for viewing, sharing about your layout with your Grandfather, and adding to the story. If you'd like to see all the train layouts I've videoed type into UA-cam search "Lou Costabile train" and the videos should list. Enjoy, Lou
WOW! When I was a lot younger (raised in the '50's 60's) I had an HO scale layout on a 4x8 board. Not even close to this. But I appreciate big time what you've done here. Congratulations. I retired from a Steel Mill near Harrisburg Pennsylvania that specialized in railroad rails and related products. I actually straightened these railroad rails and inspected them too. You mentioned Union Pacific. UP was one of our customers (as are all the major Class 1 railroads).
Hi Highfe0586, Thanks for viewing and sharing. If you'd like to see the "extended cut" of John's layout, here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html Lou
I suspect the biggest let-down was the title of this video--"Greatest Private Model Railroad Ever?" That's a hit on Lou who apparently is out of his comfort zone describing model RR's. Lou is more familiar with full-sized automobiles rather than model trains. There are more, better, and legendary layouts than Lou even suspects exists around the world. He didn't do his homework and that is an embarrassment to him and against his host, John. Next comes the old arguments of "artistic rendering vs. technological mastery." This model RR. is an artistic impression. It is NOT an engineering feat. Using scale and non-scale models in the layout might be a problem for the more technically inclined model-builder, but lots of folks are fine with having toys mingled with their models--different strokes for different folks, ya know? Probably last comes one of the cultural problem of our time, that of just plain rudeness since we all sit in the privacy of our homes making hurtful and un-helpful criticisms of other people. Most folks wouldn't do that if they were face-to-face, but the anonymity of the computer age makes it a routine feature of our cultural landscape. Each person should follow their own version of Happiness no matter what that appears to be to other people. John enjoys model trains and he has been having fun with them for a long time. Good for him. Now, we should be good guests at his house when he is kind enough to share his home with us and say nice things about his passion. If folks want to be rude and crude...well maybe they should stay out of other peoples' lives.
Hi 13thBear, Thanks for taking the time to view the video and share a very detailed comment. I can read you were not completely satisfied with the video or text, however I hope you'll continue to view other video's I produce and enjoy them. Lou
Now I know my comment is going to be taken as being negative and picking apart the layout but I assure you (anyone) that I am not doing that in any way, I'm simply being honest as to what I see here in the video presentation. IMHO, the whole layout looks very much like a toy train layout rather than a realistic model railroad. There is so much clutter I don't know where to begin and I'm at a loss for words when the gentleman who built all of this actually calls it a realistic layout when that couldn't be further from the truth as I see it. It simply looks like a child's toy train staging area rather than a realistic model railroad and I can't stress that enough. The roads look nothing like realistic modeled roads and trees are plastered everywhere like one would do with an annual Christmas train set-up. Now, while there are some amazing builds like the curved trestle he built and some of the mining areas looking somewhat real, for the most part it looks like a bunch of tables of sectioned layouts all put together in no real sense of order and rather chaotic to be perfectly honest. Again, I'm not picking this apart, rather I'm being honest about what I'm seeing in this video presentation and to compare this to many, many very real looking model railroad layouts, this still looks like a child's mess of toy trains laid out all over the room. I'm sorry if I've offended the gentleman who spent thirty years at this hobby but I'm just being honest as a model railroader myself for some 45+ years in the hobby and one who has built countless layouts throughout the decades.
+Texas Hi-Railer Hi Texas Hi Railer, You're allowed to shared your opinion (as long as it's "G" rated for the families that will be viewing) on this channel and appreciate you taking the time to express your thoughts. Take care, Lou
European trains are designed for a particular job in particular counties, i.e why German trains are different to British trains. American trains are the same, adapted and built for a particular job in a particular country. Im also guessing from your attitude that you don't know who invented rail travel and brought it to the Americas.
+Xz D E V I L S P A W N zX Gotta understand, here in the US is so damn easy to claim the Best, NO.1.the Biggest...etc. Most of the people have never seen the other side of the world. That's why they think we are still NO.1 LOL
Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Hi Larry, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
+TheBrantfordRailfan Thats what I was thinking and the level of details not all their for me.I mean its a cool layout but its mostly just rocks and dirt with buildings placed over the dirt.The roads not detailed much and the tree;s look premade however it is a cool layout just not the coolest one in HO scale.
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
this really isn't that great. you should never put "hot wheel cars" on your layout. if you want to see an impressive layout go here: Jack Burgess' Yosemite Valley Railway part 1
Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
It's Big Space Wise, but Artistic Wise there is NO feeling in a lot of places and put into a lot of the models that a good Model Railroader should Not have missed, a lot of houses and buildings built right out of the box then just set on the landscape, Like he had no ideal were they were going before he built them so it looks like he just dropped them here or there, some just hang over the grounds edges which never looks good, to many Hot Wheels Trucks used and in the wrong places, he placed more trucks were only a few would have looked much better and not a lot of cars placed along a long stretch of High Way just trucks, A very large Crane with no building Site, seems like he just built that crane because it Might Look Good again with no feel for what he did or planned to do. The Tall City Buildings have no floors in them, I really hate when you can see down through ten floors of a Building looking into the windows, this also means if he lights up that building the whole thing lights up, can't light up say one floor then have the lower floor off, a lot of the mountain buildings are out of place, and also show no love of the Craft put into them, just little details. I think he Planned the Track Layout then jammed in the City's and Towns or side stuff in were ever it would fit like putting Rides of that Circus beside Main Line running trains, it's a common mistake called " Planning More Then You Can Handle " He planned like I said a great Track Plan then Rushed to Just Fill In things which really make up a Layout with feeling, It was a Real Slap in the Face to see a Big Boy Engine pulling only 6 Cars, that thing should have at least 100 or more Fright Cars of all kinds behind it. I saw a lot of poor Painting on the mountains like they were just Spray Painted in a rush. Grass clumps here and there and clumps of trees growing out of rock bases were just placed on the mountain and hill sides with no blending into the area and the use of a lot of Dead Tree Part's from outside, used as dead or trees with no leaves or at least Green on them, also one or two big Pine Trees were there should be a forest but he had no room for them or no money to but a lot of Large and Small trees to fill in a area which should have looked great as just that, but he wanted more buildings, he could or should have a Turn Table and Round House for at least some of the Engines to be Parked inside on a layout this size you Need that kind of thing to make it look real, there are many Small Railroads with them, with shops and workers and over head cranes, Also he then just planted large trees right beside a small company which looked OUT of place and not a lot of workers at each Co. were are all the workers at the plants working, he had plenty of deer and people placed with no way of them getting where they were. buildings and Large Company's with no road's, A Lumber Co. with 2 Flats of Lumber with really No place to put the Loads they were bringing in, because of Poor Planning in some of the room he was using, I would guess just because he had the building and wanted to place it in the layout some were, because a lot of layout's Have them, but picked a place with not enough room for the thing or the road ways to get in and out, I did not see any good use of Foam or brick walls which he really should have placed under that road going Up Hill to another level. Just a lot of little and Big Mistakes, Yes it is BIG but there seems like there was no feeling or thought put into a lot of sections of what could still be a Great Model Road if he go's back and fix's a lot of things, I am sorry, But my eye see's a lot of thing's maybe other people miss because some thing take's up a lot of space, I have a working HO Scale Model Railroad, maybe that's why I see things out of place. and yes I could have just said it looks good, But I could not have done that like a lot of people would and did say. I am know to my friends as The Locomotive after some of my engines, and the one I love the most, The great GG-1.
OK, "The Locomotive"...just a few observations. 1. "Shift" and "Enter" pressed together will render line breaks and begin new paragraphs. Try it. 2. Grab a copy of the MLA Style Manual and review basic grammar and "run on sentences." I struggled to read your rant. 3. This smacks of a rant bordering on a jealous husband or boyfriend. Remember, it is a HOBBY - and a labor of love. 4. Did you ever stop to think *this* is what the owner WANTED *his* layout to look like? Obviously not. 5. Do you realize the only compliment you paid was "It's BIG?" Seriously? Rivet Counters and critics, like terrorists, belong together in the seventh level of hell. They are dying a slow and painful death fortunately, just like Model Railroader. Observe how being obstinate, stubborn, having the unwillingness to change, and without fail, featuring the same "Ole Boys Club" layouts, decade after decade, has done for them. One foot in the grave. High levels of detail, thousand-dollar locomotives, and strings of super-detailed rolling stock with over-the-top undercarriage plumbing accoutrements might not be everyone's cup of tea...or budget. Maybe this guy is a working stiff like 99.8% of us, and quite possibly doesn't have the time, finances or "connections" like Tony Koester does to spend years researching Sanborn maps, Historical Society documents, histories of towns, counties, municipalities and prototypical railroads. After a while, approaching a layout (or hobby) as a Smithsonian or Museum of Natural History installation can be rather boorish. To me, it appears that he was wanting to have fun and enjoy running his trains. And he gets crucified for *THAT!?!* You REALLY did not think your reply all the way through, did you? In your haste to chop this man's life work down, you put yourself out there like a true jackass. Congratulations. Here's hoping for some decorum, better grammar...and a little more consideration and courtesy the next time you pony up to the keyboard, Mr. Personality...or should I say, "The Locomotive."
Whoaaaaaa Hold on there, First off ENGLISH is NOT some thing I see a lot of on You Tube, so I don't worry to much about it, And yes I may have been somewhat HARSH with my comment, but It was intended for the Beginner as What Not to Do. Second I do not have any of the Hang-Up's you put on me, Just like to type fast and move on. Third If this is the guy's best, So be it, In which case it is the BEST Layout I have every Seen. Ok Also I know it is a Hobby some thing to have FUN with, But some time's FUN and HARD or GOOD WORK, go hand in hand. Thanks for your Thought's
I have to say, uncharitable as it may seem, I have to agree with most of what Joseph Meko said. The whole thing looks as though Lou has bought many items straight out of the box and plonked them down with little thought. For example; many of the buildings appear to be sitting 'on' the 'ground', as opposed to being 'built' into their surroundings. Others have also commented on the 'out-of-scale' vehicles and numerous other faux-pas, so need for me to heap more s**t on Lou's parade. One of the cardinal sins that Lou has committed (at least from a modeller's point of view) is to try to cram too much into too small a space. Agreed it IS a big room, but put too much in even the biggest room and everything just looks overcrowded. Having said all that, I must congratulate Lou on his lineside rock strata. It's superb, so all is not lost. 30+ years to get this far, so why not now spend a little time thinning out the clutter and paying a little more attention to detail? In a year or two Lou could have a magnificent model railway (or railroad, as our cousins across the pond will insist on calling it).
I'm 100% with John Meko. He's not mean or irrational. I'm the tough love guy in a MRR forum I belong to. There are too many 'yes men' and arse kissers in this hobby. The operative word is 'model' railroading. If we want to label this a toy train set then it'd not be easy to criticize it. Some people still have those roundy round O (scale ?) Lionel Christmas tree, ping pong table figure 8 'layouts' and love it. They are not model railroaders, though. Like them, this one also shouldn't be deemed a MRR ...It's just too, too goofy. Everything Meko cited I do too. Boy those Machbox, like 1:75 scale vehicles are tough to take; and hundreds all over the place. Sorry John Muccianti and photographer if you have been saddened by all these negative posts. Anyone who loves trains is a swell guy (or gal) to me.. We just would like to get you to see the light, do some reading on the subject and maybe look at how realistic many of the layouts are and just what causes this to be. I buy way more TRAINS magazines than MRRer Mag because it don't get more real than that. We get to see the way the 1:1 scale does it. After that it's easy to find out how to do it in 1:87 scale. Call this tough love, not a put down or a dislike of you ! It's just your hobby skills need tweaking .. Mark
Thank You Mark, I did not want to be the only honest MMR to say what I thought about this Lay Out, It would have been Easy to say Looks Good and stop. I mean we should be able to say stuff Man to Man and I hope he took it the right way. I had a corner of one Pike to finish, I did a Mountain and spent $200.00 on 4000 Trees just to make it FEEL RIGHT with me. and it was only 3' X 3'. I am very hard on myself because it has to look Pardon the words LIFE-LIKE LOL or I will tear it all up and re do the whole thing, John only need's to refine so ok a lot of space's And he may just do that, Hopefully if he dose it will look better, John Read Model Railroader great magazine. But I think it has to be In Side you, and the love of the whole small world to be right is on your shoulder's.
This is spectacular. I spent three whole days at the Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg GA and *STILL* could hardly get it all in. They had just completed the new airport section and it was just too cool. The skill and dedication of the whole army of artist and modelers is top shelf. This is one of the nicest private sets I have seen.
This video and more importantly most of the comments demonstrate that most will rarely be honest, even when one is not face to face but between computer screens. The size and scale is commendable, but the poorly executed scenery, buildings and schematics make it look bad. I see way too many unpainted buildings. This is what happens if you do not paint structures--they look toylike, too bright and plastic. Some other critical comments have pointed out mixing wildly out of scale *TOY* cars in this layout. As others have said, these and other defects make the layout more like a toy. Take out some of the el cheapo, unpainted tyco buildings, get rid of the toy cars, redo the far from realistic roads. Get rid of the gimmicks like the plane in the mountain, and this could become quite respectable. As is though, it is an eyesore. The channel's arrogant boasting about possibly being the greatest layout ever just incites resentment and scorn.
Dear F.W. I found your comment in my SPAM box, however please share the link to your train layout so I / we can compare to what an awesome layout should look like. If you want to be a Critic, I'm sure you can handle the "Honest" feedback :-) Lou
Seems your rant lost a little in the translation. F.W. Sauerteig made a perfectly valid criticism of a rather poorly put together toy train set (without the need to foulmouth anyone). I hesitate to call it a model railway (railroad). Perhaps after you've sobered up a little and ceased to be so confrontational in your use of the language of the gutter, you might appreciate some of the expert modelling of others (via UA-cam) who don't feel the need to make the same wildly extravagant claims as the maker of this video.. True, not everyone can create a model masterpiece, and all credit to John Muccianti for his efforts, but the fact remains that it is very toy-like, and it's always risky making claims that something is'The Greatest', when quite obviously it isn't.
Brisdad53 I agree with both sides it is amazing but not anything on a level of being the best, also you have to criticize stuff before it is finished so it can be done correctly or improved saying oh "he's not done" or something along those lines doesn't help anyone.
Have to agree. Not to take away from the effort made by the model railroad owner, but a bit overhyped by the video maker. Lots of glossy "Plasticville" buildings, Matchbox (or equivalent) vehicles, etc. utilized throughout.
Your just being an idiot, there is no standard, its what a person can do and not to your opinion. You go out into nature and say, hey all the trees are not proportional, the fields dont have BLAH BLAH BLAH.
(You are) Certainly not appreciative of the man's efforts, passion, and dedication. This is an incredible layout and would bring hours (if not years) of joy and appreciation to anyone who has had the opportunity to experience, much less own it. Would love to see YOUR layout that obviously adheres to the "fine scale" you are referring to - and avoids a "toy" appearance at any cost. #eyeroll
Wow! What a fabulous layout! Does he ever sleep? Teacher, painter and model railroad builder! Thanks John, for letting Lou film your layout. Thanks Lou, I love model layouts, they remind me of my cousin and the fun times we spent creating a layout in his basement. Thanks again Jess
Hi Lou • John has a first class layout & I agree a layout is never finished. With is skills he will always have a project. Thanks for doing this detailed tour.
Hi Gary, Thanks for sharing and viewing. If you'd like to see the "extended cut" here is the video link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html Take care, Lou
:-0 Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
John's passion is so heartwarming. You can definitely feel a sort of childish "You're not playing with it right!" vibe coming from him as a result of the rushed tour. You can tell he wants to talk for hours about each detail, yet he repeatedly sidesteps his own personality for the sake of entertaining at the speed of his cameraman guest. What a lovable guy! This video just boosted my mood. :) Keep it up, John!
Hi 420Kasper420, Glad this video "boosted your mood" :-) Bonus is there is an "extended cut" of John's layout. Here is the link, enjoy! Lou ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
Hi MrRJDB1969, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
This bring me back to my childhood memories with going to the yankie candle during winter holidays, this definitely yearns me with precious times. Thank you for this video!
Hi TheUnholy_Plague, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) You're welcome. Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Hi Wayne, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
I enjoyed the layout, shame about the trolls and those that don't know the difference between a question and a statement. The owner is having fun and if he is happy with it that is all that matters. Good on him I say!!!
Thanks Scott, Glad you enjoyed it. I'm talking with John about doing an "extended cut" with more details, less shaky camera and taking more time. Stay tuned, Lou
*Hi, If you like this video, please click on the 🤍 THANKS button under the video title" Thank you! Lou*
I am 7 years late at finding this. Better late then never though, this is awesome! Really enjoyed watching this.
Hi John YK, Glad you found this layout :-) Here is the "Extended Cut" for you, Lou ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
yay its 2020 and I watched this in 2013 like the age of four :).
but i always wanted something satisfying like this,
@@loucostabile Thank you, I just had a look at the video
Same bro
You can just see how proud this gentleman is of all his hard work!! I cant imagine the hours he has put into this. He was as excited as a kid at Christmas to tell everyone about the details!! Make's me wish I had somewhere to build a new layout. Trains don't belong in boxes put away!!! Thanks for sharing.......Darryl, AML.
Hi Darryl, I agree with you 100% on trains don't belong in boxes. Thanks for viewing, Lou
He put 30 years into this, not hours.
Allegheny Mountain Living , In an APT here in San Diego there are two many trains to be kept out of boxes and shelves are not allowed to have displays. Dust is unreal so I would have too much dirt to wipe off every day!
I don't understand how there can be any dislikes on this video. The man obviously has turned his passion into a work of art for himself. This is an amazing accomplishment for anyone!
Hi JustinOhio, Thank you for your wonderful compliment on this video / layout, Lou
My 2 year old has recently become obsessed with trains. He loved this video. My dad would be so proud to see his grandson loving trains. My dad was an engineer and had a great model train setup in our attic--complete with a snow-capped mountain! My dad died when I was a child but I still remember sitting up there with him while he worked on his trains. My uncle also had a great model train set-up in his basement and he passed away a couple years ago. Trains remind me of these two wonderful men. So glad my little boy loves it too.
Hi Sarah Martin,
Thanks for viewing and sharing. I have something for your son, here is the link of the "extended cut" of John's layout. Here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
Enjoy!
Lou
Thets cute and a bit sad
It's not work, it's not recreation, it is a labor of love for anyone to build something like this.
I salute you and all of you that put these things together.
I had a layout when I was a kid and loved it for years. Then a divorce happened and it all went away.
That was too bad and part of the fallout that lasted a lifetime.
I still enjoy looking at these things and going to the railroad museums.
Great job my friend, great job and a true labor of love !!!
+Steven Thompson Hi Steven Thompson, thanks for your kind words and viewing. If you'd like to view a "extended cut" of John's layout here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html If you cut and paste that into your browser, you can view the video, take care, Lou
Have you considered attaching a Go-Pro camera to the train to give a different perspective? It would go where you can't physically walk and video. I'm sure Go Pro would gladly give you a few cameras! Amazing job!
I’m not sure the trains can support a go pro, not that’s it heavy but that attaching could damage it
@@dexieboui4956 There are a LOT of model railroad videos on UA-cam shot from the perspective of the locomotive. I saw one in person and the camera was inside the loco so you couldn't even see it when the train passed by. I'm not sure how they go about setting that up, but it's certainly possible.
That's a fun idea :-)
Good idea!
This video got me into model railroading years ago, and now I got it recommend to me!
Hi Film Guy, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Having read some of the comments hereon it is noticeable that the vast majority of viewers are truly impressed and that this video has given a great deal of joy to over half-a-million people. That must surely say it all.
However, I fear the title asking if it is the 'greatest' will make many squirm and, in particular because he is such a real nice guy, John Muccianti. No two people will ever agree what is the 'greatest' because the parameters are so wide and it is a case of 'each to his own'. Congratulations to John for building it - he is the perfect example of the hobbyist who does his own thing and gets such enjoyment from it. Model Railroader calls this 'the World's Greatest Hobby' and I believe that all of us who are involved in it in any way are the luckiest people alive. I think this is the Greatest Private Model Railroad ever to John and I admire and envy him the deep feelings of pleasure and well-being he must have.
There may be anachronisms and things that don't appeal to some individuals (it's not my personal cup of tea, but I'm not trying to say whether my views are better or worse)) but it sure is a hell of a lot better than most of us can aspire to in our lifetimes.
It's people like John who show the the less-fortunate (those who aren't railway/railroad modellers) what they are missing from their lives. It is the World's Greatest Hobby.
Jeremy English
Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for sharing your heartfelt comments. Glad you're a Viewer.
Take care,
Lou
Lou Costabile Before I forget, if you'd like to see the "Extended Cut" of John's layout, here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
Take care,
Lou
It amazes me how anyone can criticize this guy, it's a fabulous layout with many great features. He said it isn't done and he's always got something to do. Perhaps the wires are going to go in as he wires the buildings and so what if they never go in it looks great.
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Your time, patience, and attention to detail SHINE from within your work!
Thanks Steve for viewing and sharing,
Lou
WOW! Now as a Modeler of over Fifty Years I will say THIS Is a DREAM LAYOUT! Just... WOW! VERY WELL DONE John! I saved this video to show others AND to use for reference! :D
Here is the extended cut of Johns layout. Enjoy! ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
This just brings joy to see someone so passionate about what they've done, I'm not a big enthusiast but I sure can appreciate the detail and dedication put in it! And sure as hell would love to own the set.
Well said. Thank you for viewing and commenting, Lou
hobby goals. I've always wanted something like this in my house!
+Clayton Suarez Hi Clayton, I hope you get your layout like this soon. Take care, Lou
Me too! This layout looks fantastic!
+James kershaw Hi James, Thanks for commenting and sharing. Take care, Lou
I know right, but my basement is small XD
+Clayton Suarez same
What a really nice guy. Hope he continuies his labour of love for another 30 years.
Hi Matthew,
Thanks for viewing and sharing such kind words. If you'd like to view the "extended cut" of John's layout, here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
Take care,
Lou
This was outstanding just the way that he had detailed the mountains and I love what he had done with the plane
30 years!!!!!... this guy only looks to be 40 what the hell. If I knew I was going to live in one place long enough, I would have started 15 years ago, but I seem to move every 3-4 years :(
What I love about this layout is that he did it his way. This layout is as exciting as the craftsman who built it. Thank you for sharing John. I better get to work I'm a late bloomer.
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-)
I don't like how you keep cutting off the owner. Let him speak and show it off in his own way.
Andrew Borges I totally agree, he's one of these guys who asks a question and doesn't want to hear the answer 😂, I was really intrigued about what the gentleman actually had to say!
Hello Martin, Before you jump to conclusions that "he's one of these guys who asks questions and doesn't want to hear the answers, I'll share with you the "extended cut" of John's layout, enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
Hi Andrew, If you would like to hear more, enjoy this "extended cut" of John's layout to learn more, Lou ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
thanks for the link Lou
You're welcome Andrew.
that dude is nice as hell, and you can tell he loves his layout...i personally dont see it as one of the best, due to how unrealistic it is, but he loves it and thats all that matters.
Hi AJ,
Thanks for viewing and sharing, you're right as long as you love what you're doing, that's what matters.
Lou
exactly!
It's not good but it's not bad I love to have his layout
The House Of Masks as long as you as the modeler of your layout can us your imagination then who cares
Z gauge trains
I absolutely LOVE the mixture of prototypical railroading, whimsical/fantasy & comedic operations here. You can hear this guy's PASSION and purpose for this railroad. It's 30 years of his life. There is a spectacular representation here - Tyco, Athearn, Hot Wheels/Matchbox, Wiking, Herpa, Walthers, you name it...this guy uses it. It looks FUN. Great job, John!
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
This guy is so nice. I've spoken to so many long-time model railway enthusiast who are so arrogant about their layouts, and patronising to beginners. This guy is so humble. It's lovely
HI Chromedian, Thank you for viewing and sharing such a wonderful comment, Lou
Agreed
2 words, Just so amazing.. Got to be the best display in the whole world. My mouth was open the whole time, could not believe the detail..
Hi Robert, Good news! Here is the extended cut of this layout for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
"A model railroad is never finished." This guy is a frickin' Boss.
Hi Richard, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Dang this guy took a lot of years to make this incredible piece of set 👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏
Hi HypeFox 5678, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
It's funny to see all the critical comments from people who don't even HAVE a layout, lol. The guy who made this film is obviously a fan of the guy who made the layout. So there are imperfections and things aren't all in-scale. It's still a very nice layout, and represents a whole lot of work. It's more about fun and less about rules, so chill out!
+BillXCIII I agree, but c'mon. half the videos on UA-cam are titled that way to make us watch. It's a matter of opinion, and maybe the author of the title and video really thought that. Who knows? I just think it's funny/sad how abusive people can get over such a thing. I would like to see how they react in the instance of some real-life issues, lol.
+Curtis ChooChoo Hi Curtis ChooChoo, Reason why I titled it this way, is I really thought this might be the "Greatest", however I added the "?" so Viewers could comment and share other private HO model RR's. I've seen many public amazing model railroads shared in comments by Viewers, as they share video links, however Johns layout is still right up there with the best model railroads. I understood there would be positive and negative reactions, but the goal was to share this never before videoed model railroad for the public to view. Take care, Lou
@@loucostabile it's a great layout that's for sure...I have a buddy who has his entire garage devoted to his layout...as soon as I build my house I will be starting on my layout...I can't wait...I've had 4 layouts so far, 3 in N scale...like he said...they are never done...that's the beauty of it...
Sir....this probably is the best railroad model in the world. Hats off to your enthusiasm, dedication and creativity.
Hi Venu gopal, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
I noticed he has one of those very old Texaco Tanker ships Texaco used to sell at their stations. That's very cool. Also the big gray tugboat! Ships really make a layout special.
Thanks Jim for sharing what you liked,
Lou
Very very nice, so much work is in every detail, congrats to the Builder :)
Glad you enjoy this layout Siku Corleone RC. If you'd like to see more model RR layouts type into UA-cam search "Lou Costabile trains" and they should come right up. Enjoy! Lou
Fantastic!
BaltimoreAndOhioRR Hi BaltimoreAndOhioRR,
Thanks for viewing and sharing. Viewers have asked for a little more of John's layout. If you'd like to see the "extended cut" here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
Wishing you a restful Christmas,
Lou
Absolutely awesome! Forget all the losers claiming to see bigger... of course, there is always bigger and better... blah F'in blah! This layout is amazing and the guy should be extremely proud of his work. Anyone that thinks otherwise, has no F'in clue what is involved at this level.
Hi, Thank you for such a wonderful comment. If you'd like to see the "extended cut" of John's layout, here is the link, Lou ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
You're the one that doesn't have a clue. This isn't a model train layout, it's a toy collection with some railroad tracks tossed on. IT'S A MESS. Go take a look at some REAL Model Train layouts. There are literally HUNDREDS of them on UA-cam. Hell, this thing has cars and trucks of two or three difference sizes, and that CIRCUS?? COME ON, YOU GOTT BE KIDDING ME.
@@budm.1450 So what if it has a few different scales; it is a _privately owned_ railroad. If it makes the owner happy and brings joy to a few others in the bargain then kudos to him.
I surely hope you let visitors come and browse around. I had my first model 50 years ago, but that was it. Its just beautiful.
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Very nice, large Layout. As we MRR'ers know, a Model Railroad is NEVER done!!!
There's always upgrades, enhancements, improvements....
That's what keeps it a HOBBY! ;)
Thank you Carmine Allocca for viewing and your wonderfully accurate comment. Lou
+Lou Costabile It was my pleasure. Thanks for sharing these beautiful Layouts from across the Country! A lot of young modelers NEED to see things like this!
That would be great if they watch. One of the reasons I do the videos is the Younger people watch UA-cam vs I watch TV. This allows me to speak the younger peoples language. Thanks for your encouragement, Lou
wow... that is amazing. The only pathetic bit of criticism I can manage is that there are an awful lot of cars and trucks, but other than that, amazing. 30 years well spent!
***** Hi, thanks for viewing and sharing, take care, Lou
Great job, John Mucciauti!
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Omg!, talent, brains, and creativity on steroids! Superbly done. Man am I glad I ran across this awesome video! Thank you for sharing your passion! I loved it! 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃toot tooooot!!!
HI Love & Light, Welcome to the Channel. If you'd like to see more train layouts type in UA-cam search "Lou Costabile train" and if you happen to like cars, type in "My Car Story with Lou". Enjoy, Lou
Lou Costabile, Thank you for letting me know Lou!!! Keep rocking your You Tube channel!!!!😁☺😄
This man seems so genuinely kind and charming. Its so fun just to see how much he loves his layout.
Hi Gabe Reyna, Thank you for viewing and sharing a wonderful comment. Lou
Thank you for viewing and sharing.
Now before anyone goes mental here, while it IS a life-long creation as we can all see, I would have to disagree that it's the GREATEST HO layout ever? Again, I'm not knocking it because you can see the man has put a great deal of dedication & love of the hobby into the layout but, if you want to see the greatest layouts ever, check out the layout by Vic Smith who calls his layout "City Edge". Or, check out the layout MA&G RR by Cliff Powers. It's a coin toss as to which of those two are the GREATEST HO layouts out there today! This one is cool, but far from the greatest, sorry. Please understand I'm not being mean or negative at all, just my opinion on this particular layout.
Hi Bernhardt,
Thanks for viewing and sharing. Feel free to see the video of the "extended cut" on John's layout. Here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
Lou
i've read a lot of comments here, & a lot were negetave even though they may have been true, but this guy likes it, has had fun so why bash him? it's his, & he's happy so let it be! some people can't do any where near this nice. i enjoyed it anyway! yes i've seen a Lot of highly detailed layouts including the ones mentioned here!
Same reason it's fun to bash guys like you. Man up!
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
You move the camera way too fast. I thought you said you were going to take your time?
Good news! I've done and "extended cut" and here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
Wow...the spirit of John Allen was DEFINITELY smiling down on this builder!!! This is FABULOUS WORK!!! And Mr. Muccianti is 100% correct when he states a model railroad is never finished...
Hi Anton, High praise :-) Lou
Lou you can see John's layout is a work of passion. He is totally into every inch of the layout. Nice job John...it must be nice to have a 30 x 30 area to work with. May John have many more years of enjoyment. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Lowell for sharing,
Lou
A true labor of love, great job!
Thanks Scott,
Lou
dont mind the haters out there, most of us love any time spent, to make a layout like this come to life.
Scott Connors
Train layouts are designed to be fun and imaginative, no matter what level your hobby skills are at. The majority of Viewers have been very kind. I focus on that and the constructive remarks.
You must not get to see many good one's, and his Skill jumps up and down all over his layout, mostly down. Again Sorry.
How do you keep everything clean? Dusting alone would be a major on-taking it would seem.
Not sure.
"Beautiful work. This video was listed in recommend section; glad I clicked it. Enjoyed watching." -Tom
Hi Tom, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
This guy is one of the best I've seen. I stumbled across this and anyone who puts that many years into something like this is a freaking icon in my book!
Hi coolreem, Thank you for the kind words :-) Hope you'll search on UA-cam "Lou Costabile train" and enjoy the other videos too, Lou
Great train layout."thumbs up from me"
Thank you Diesel Dave :-)
I would never begrudge anyone a hobby they have enjoyed for decades, but to be honest, this is neither exceptionally large nor very well done. Check out some of the Kalmbach "Great Model Railroads" videos to see what some of the really talented among model railroaders have done.
Always enjoy others passion for the hobby. Do you have a link you could share?
Nice layout, fantastic work, perhaps a little to "modely" for my liking, I like every inch to be super real. Well done.
I think it's a very nice model layout, very impressive and must have taken a very long time. Only thing I would remove (but that's a personal choice), is the Hot Wheels, mostly because Hot Wheels are either fantasy cars or the measurements are wrong, Hot Wheels are either too wide or too long or too short when compared to real cars. Matchbox cars are closer to the real thing, but the problem with both Hot Wheels and Matchbox is that the scale usually isn't 1/87 but 1/64, which makes these cars look too big and kinda fat when they are in a 1/87 landscape, especially when parked in front of a 1/87 house, or when a 1/87 train passes by. The trains and buildings in this video are very nice, and good background images that create a lot of depth. The boats and the circus are very nice too.
Hi Micha Kuiper,
Thanks for viewing and sharing. If you'd like to see the "extended cut" of John's layout, here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
Take care,
Lou
Lou Costabile
Cool, thanks, I'll check it out right now :)
was going to add the same thing. Impressive scale and size layout however I definitely agree that Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars make a layout look "toyish" . It sucks to have to buy hobby scale vehicles , but you really have no choice. Also I think you should never have vehicles on the road that have no occupants.....nothing looks worse that empty vehicles on the street. You have to get figures inside them somehow. Unfortunately he has way to many different scale vehicles on this layout....they are way...way out of scale.
Winchester Remington Hi Winchester Remington,
Thanks for viewing and sharing.
Lou
I mean the track layout itself and the way everything is joined together works really nice...he did a fine job there. Ill bet if he removed about 75% of those vehicles...it wold make a huge improvement.
John, this really needs to be moved into a museum before ya get too much older. Your passion is wonderful, and this layout is exemplary. It really needs to be preserved as it really is a piece of historical art. Hats off to you John, you're a terrific artist.
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
It took over THREE DECADES to build all this? Dang, his patience really paid off! That is one heck of a creative work!
Hi LITTLE, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Here is the "extended cut" of this layout. Enjoy. ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
Silly question... how do you keep it dusted? lots of work...
There is not much traffic, so not to much dust. On some occasions you "pick up" in an area, however you vacuum an area carefully if needed,
Lou
Lou Costabile Thanks for the response!
Frederick Dunn Weathering is not needed. The dust is natural
Yeah, that's very impressive!
Thank you,
Lou
Hello. Very nice video. Your world of train is really pretty. I enjoyed the walk along the rails. Congratulations!
My pleasure sharing.
Thank you,
Lou
I like how we talk about the layout like it’s all live action. It’s like igniting my childhood quality imagination.
Hi Marshmallowlol, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
A good 7 years ago this video made me want to have a model railway, thank you so much, although I dont think mine even in 30 years will be as detailed this, you have done such a amazing job! 👍
Hi Edward, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) As long as you're having fun with your layout, that is the important thing. Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Our videographer's assertion of "Greatest..........Layout Ever" reveals the distinct possibility that he has not been exposed to many other great layouts. My complements to his professionalism, but the veracity of his claim is in serious doubt compared to what I know to be out there.
exactly!
Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
You know, I think it's a toss up as to whether this is really a model railroad, or a die-cast toy collection disguised as a model railroad !!
Hi Ricardo,
Good point! Thanks for viewing and sharing,
Lou
Snob
Alot of nice 1/87 models, its a great layout too.
Ricardo Kutz yea more matchbox and hot wheels then anything
Ricardo Kutz. Model trains are toys because they are not real.
Very nice layout.
Hi Hornhausen,
Thanks for viewing and sharing. If you'd like to view the "extended cut" of John's layout, here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
Lou
As a model railroader I watched this when I was 6 and it fueled my inspiration. I was sad then because my allowance was only a quarter and that ment I couldn't do this stuf
Hi Pies Life, Here is the extended version of this layout for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
Wow. All I can say the 30 years have been worth it. Thanks you for sharing this video!
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
That look very interest! Good job! Here you can see a Model Railraod in a german museum: Modelleisenbahn im DB Museum in Koblenz
Check this here :-) Modelleisenbahn im DB Museum in Koblenz
Hi MKRoxton,
I viewed your link and thanks for sharing.
Lou
Lou Costabile Thanks a lot!
Holy Crap!!
Thank you for your comment, that made me laugh out loud :-)
I was fortunate enough to be a conductor/locomotive engineer from 2004 to 2009. After the layoff I decided not to go back when called but I was sure a could job. Switching both as the conductor and later as an engineer. Belt pack in Saskatoon yard and handling the hills and curves on the way from Chapleau to White River.
Nice job I would love to see it in person. It's amazing!
Hi Randy, Thank you for sharing your train background, cool! Lou
Correction: Chapleau
thanks
We loved seeing your railroad layout. My husband has some of the same buildings in his model railroad but has a smaller layout. We thought your scenery was so interesting and colorful. It was really enjoyable to view and we wish we could see it in person. It was great to see a fellow model railroader who enjoyed railroading. Thanks for sharing all of your hard work!
Hi Toby,
Glad you enjoyed viewing. Fun when you see items your familiar with from your layout.
Take care,
Lou
I love this layout. It's realistic. And it looks very professional. Great job John.
Glad you enjoy this one :-)
No detail missing 10sec's into it an I notice the power lines are missing WHATS UP with that
Yes the Aspie in me noticed that detail immediately. When people make silly claims like The best, The greatest, No detail missing (etc) I love to shoot them down for a vicious thrill.
It is possible to say things like "Check this mans devotion to his hobby over thirty years" rather than use ambit intensifiers (and sound like a two year old in a toy shop). Unsurprisingly the vid was somewhat of a letdown for me.
Good catenary and power lines in HO are a beautiful thing however.
There buried power lines lol..
And left the HT towers for us to oogle over (the towers are pretty special I must admit).
Most people don't put power lines on a model railroad layout. It makes it a pain to reach in and work on things.
Erwin Konig ......SHUT UP!!!
you need to spend a afternoon on youtube and see more layouts if you think this is the greatest in the world? I'm sure he is a nice guy. However this is not even close.
Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
He should put a little Batman in that setup somewhere
I like Batman, good idea, Lou
,
Ryan Tesone
HRyan Tesone
People going on about the level of detail saying it was bad.
For a 30 yeat old project its very good, dont forget 30 years ago they didnt have the sort of equipment that we do nowadays. In 30 years from now people will look at our model railroads that we think look amazing and think they look bad.
Personally i think the whole thing is amazing. It takes years to perfect a much smaller railroad and that is huge, hats off to you Lou.
Brian from Liverpool, UK
Hi Brian,
Thanks for viewing and taking the time to share.
Lou
I had a small H O train set that took up about half a bedroom. My friend had on set up on a ping pong table. We had many adventures and stories we made up about our towns. One engine I had would make smoke if I put the oil in it. It smelled bad so I didn't make it smoke that often.
This guy's setup is fun to look at and brings back fond memories.
Thanks!
Hi Ray S, Glad you enjoy this layout :-) Here is a playlist of trains I've made for you. Enjoy! Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
@@loucostabile
Awesome, thanks!
Airplane crash isn't a natural disaster.
Less time than it took you to prove you suffer from the same syndrome, sadly in your case there is no cure. Goodbye...Benjamin.
More like Alfredo Spaz...
Thank you for viewing & sharing :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Whoever filmed this made it very difficult to watch. It was like being on a bad roller coaster ride, with the up and down movements to his camera. Maybe if he had used a tripod, or had a Go-Pro camera, which really would have helped improve his video coverage of an above average layout.
Hi Jeff Lange,
I videoed and you're right, I'm not a professional. However the good news is I videoed an "extended cut" to John's layout and hopefully a better video for you to watch. Here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
Enjoy!
Lou
Not even close.
Thank you for viewing & sharing :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
I am in awe of your layout,Sir.
My father and I have just started to work again on our HO layout that he originally purchased for me for Xmas 1976...It won't take up quite as much space,but we're already working on two levels,LOL...To see your work is inspiring. Pay no mind to the trolls and keep up the excellent work!
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
dedication to a hobby can keep a man alive well done john ,lou
Well said julius ceasar :-)
Hate to burst anyone's bubble here. But...You really should investigate before making such statements. Just the beginning of your video shows toy cars, trucks, and busses that are NOT...NOT HO guage. Place any HO engine side by side with that bus, and you fail instantly. ATTENTION TO DETAIL is what makes the GREATEST HO layout. Not somebody who has never seen other layouts that Exceed all expectations. 30 Years is commendable. But DETAIL comes first. Anyone who visits UA-cam knows...there are many more realistic layouts.
Attention to details are important. Thanks for viewing and sharing your comments.
Lou
Cool but all the automobiles are way oversized
He's using Hot Wheels sized vehicles. I can't remember exactly what scale that is, but somewhere between 1:43 and 1:87 which is HO scale. It would be expensive to source enough vehicles to fill out this one in HO scale, and even in America, it's only in recent times that model train manufacturers have started making them with decent detail
Mechknight73 If I'm not mistaken, Hot Wheels are 1/64, which would be around S scale.
Greg B Believe it or not, the makers of Hot Wheels claims their vehicles are what is considered 1:76 scale which at one time was popular and they went around & around for a couple of years as to whether or not they wanted to change the scale closer to 1:87 and claimed the remolding would be astronomical in cost so that idea was scrubbed. I learned that at a Hot Wheels show in San Diego, CA at the convention center back in 1999.
Texas Hi-Railer 0k t tt g yyygggyyyyygggggb
They look horrible. He should expend a couple hundred dollars in some nice Herpa 1:87 vehicles.
The greatest private model railroad ???? You sure need to look around some, This layout is not even close. It is big,
Thank you for viewing & sharing :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
I’d love to build this again. My grandfather and I (him mostly for the first 20 years) build a huge set. It was 4 pieces of 5/8s plywood made into a huge table. And had 6 of those levels. So it was 3 levels on one huge table and then eventually built another one. It was so huge. They all connected and all the levels were connected also. I’d imagine to say that there was at lease 20-30 grand all together spent over the years (1979-2003) I miss it so much. Today I live very simple and I couldn’t imagine having something so permanent. Everything in my life always seem to go or taken away from me. But I would love to build something like this again. It’s cool that people still build these things still. Good luck with it.
Hi Bobby G., Thank you for viewing, sharing about your layout with your Grandfather, and adding to the story. If you'd like to see all the train layouts I've videoed type into UA-cam search "Lou Costabile train" and the videos should list. Enjoy, Lou
WOW! When I was a lot younger (raised in the '50's 60's) I had an HO scale layout on a 4x8 board. Not even close to this. But I appreciate big time what you've done here. Congratulations. I retired from a Steel Mill near Harrisburg Pennsylvania that specialized in railroad rails and related products. I actually straightened these railroad rails and inspected them too. You mentioned Union Pacific. UP was one of our customers (as are all the major Class 1 railroads).
Hi Highfe0586,
Thanks for viewing and sharing. If you'd like to see the "extended cut" of John's layout, here is the link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
Lou
I suspect the biggest let-down was the title of this video--"Greatest Private Model Railroad Ever?" That's a hit on Lou who apparently is out of his comfort zone describing model RR's. Lou is more familiar with full-sized automobiles rather than model trains. There are more, better, and legendary layouts than Lou even suspects exists around the world. He didn't do his homework and that is an embarrassment to him and against his host, John.
Next comes the old arguments of "artistic rendering vs. technological mastery." This model RR. is an artistic impression. It is NOT an engineering feat. Using scale and non-scale models in the layout might be a problem for the more technically inclined model-builder, but lots of folks are fine with having toys mingled with their models--different strokes for different folks, ya know?
Probably last comes one of the cultural problem of our time, that of just plain rudeness since we all sit in the privacy of our homes making hurtful and un-helpful criticisms of other people. Most folks wouldn't do that if they were face-to-face, but the anonymity of the computer age makes it a routine feature of our cultural landscape.
Each person should follow their own version of Happiness no matter what that appears to be to other people. John enjoys model trains and he has been having fun with them for a long time. Good for him. Now, we should be good guests at his house when he is kind enough to share his home with us and say nice things about his passion. If folks want to be rude and crude...well maybe they should stay out of other peoples' lives.
Hi 13thBear,
Thanks for taking the time to view the video and share a very detailed comment. I can read you were not completely satisfied with the video or text, however I hope you'll continue to view other video's I produce and enjoy them.
Lou
Now I know my comment is going to be taken as being negative and picking apart the layout but I assure you (anyone) that I am not doing that in any way, I'm simply being honest as to what I see here in the video presentation. IMHO, the whole layout looks very much like a toy train layout rather than a realistic model railroad. There is so much clutter I don't know where to begin and I'm at a loss for words when the gentleman who built all of this actually calls it a realistic layout when that couldn't be further from the truth as I see it. It simply looks like a child's toy train staging area rather than a realistic model railroad and I can't stress that enough.
The roads look nothing like realistic modeled roads and trees are plastered everywhere like one would do with an annual Christmas train set-up. Now, while there are some amazing builds like the curved trestle he built and some of the mining areas looking somewhat real, for the most part it looks like a bunch of tables of sectioned layouts all put together in no real sense of order and rather chaotic to be perfectly honest. Again, I'm not picking this apart, rather I'm being honest about what I'm seeing in this video presentation and to compare this to many, many very real looking model railroad layouts, this still looks like a child's mess of toy trains laid out all over the room. I'm sorry if I've offended the gentleman who spent thirty years at this hobby but I'm just being honest as a model railroader myself for some 45+ years in the hobby and one who has built countless layouts throughout the decades.
+Texas Hi-Railer Hi Texas Hi Railer, You're allowed to shared your opinion (as long as it's "G" rated for the families that will be viewing) on this channel and appreciate you taking the time to express your thoughts. Take care, Lou
Texas Hi-Railer,
Your comments are spot on and it is criminal that they are not at the top. Truth hurts.
100% AGREED THIS IS A MESS.
Very good but hardly the best there are much better ones in England and Germany with half the time put it.
and a very american argument...
European trains are designed for a particular job in particular counties, i.e why German trains are different to British trains. American trains are the same, adapted and built for a particular job in a particular country. Im also guessing from your attitude that you don't know who invented rail travel and brought it to the Americas.
+Xz D E V I L S P A W N zX
Gotta understand, here in the US is so damn easy to claim the Best, NO.1.the Biggest...etc. Most of the people have never seen the other side of the world. That's why they think we are still NO.1 LOL
You gotta understand that this was built by one person.
so was a lot of the european model railways in the uk
One of the more attractive features of the American Dream is that people have these large basements to do this sort of thing in!
Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
Very detailed building trees and everything must take hrs to set up a set up like this so beautiful
Hi Larry, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
it's a nice layout but it doesn't look like it took 30 years to build
+TheBrantfordRailfan Thats what I was thinking and the level of details not all their for me.I mean its a cool layout but its mostly just rocks and dirt with buildings placed over the dirt.The roads not detailed much and the tree;s look premade however it is a cool layout just not the coolest one in HO scale.
+Michael David Cilantro dude you're hating hardbody. Stfu !
You do better then
Yeah, what the f### was he doing? Too much shit on there anyway and looks too cluttered.
Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
this really isn't that great. you should never put "hot wheel cars" on your layout. if you want to see an impressive layout go here: Jack Burgess' Yosemite Valley Railway part 1
Ryan Blake why it’s his and he likes it all that matters
Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
It's Big Space Wise, but Artistic Wise there is NO feeling in a lot of places and put into a lot of the models that a good Model Railroader should Not have missed, a lot of houses and buildings built right out of the box then just set on the landscape, Like he had no ideal were they were going before he built them so it looks like he just dropped them here or there, some just hang over the grounds edges which never looks good, to many Hot Wheels Trucks used and in the wrong places, he placed more trucks were only a few would have looked much better and not a lot of cars placed along a long stretch of High Way just trucks, A very large Crane with no building Site, seems like he just built that crane because it Might Look Good again with no feel for what he did or planned to do. The Tall City Buildings have no floors in them, I really hate when you can see down through ten floors of a Building looking into the windows, this also means if he lights up that building the whole thing lights up, can't light up say one floor then have the lower floor off, a lot of the mountain buildings are out of place, and also show no love of the Craft put into them, just little details. I think he Planned the Track Layout then jammed in the City's and Towns or side stuff in were ever it would fit like putting Rides of that Circus beside Main Line running trains, it's a common mistake called " Planning More Then You Can Handle " He planned like I said a great Track Plan then Rushed to Just Fill In things which really make up a Layout with feeling, It was a Real Slap in the Face to see a Big Boy Engine pulling only 6 Cars, that thing should have at least 100 or more Fright Cars of all kinds behind it. I saw a lot of poor Painting on the mountains like they were just Spray Painted in a rush. Grass clumps here and there and clumps of trees growing out of rock bases were just placed on the mountain and hill sides with no blending into the area and the use of a lot of Dead Tree Part's from outside, used as dead or trees with no leaves or at least Green on them, also one or two big Pine Trees were there should be a forest but he had no room for them or no money to but a lot of Large and Small trees to fill in a area which should have looked great as just that, but he wanted more buildings, he could or should have a Turn Table and Round House for at least some of the Engines to be Parked inside on a layout this size you Need that kind of thing to make it look real, there are many Small Railroads with them, with shops and workers and over head cranes, Also he then just planted large trees right beside a small company which looked OUT of place and not a lot of workers at each Co. were are all the workers at the plants working, he had plenty of deer and people placed with no way of them getting where they were. buildings and Large Company's with no road's, A Lumber Co. with 2 Flats of Lumber with really No place to put the Loads they were bringing in, because of Poor Planning in some of the room he was using, I would guess just because he had the building and wanted to place it in the layout some were, because a lot of layout's Have them, but picked a place with not enough room for the thing or the road ways to get in and out, I did not see any good use of Foam or brick walls which he really should have placed under that road going Up Hill to another level. Just a lot of little and Big Mistakes, Yes it is BIG but there seems like there was no feeling or thought put into a lot of sections of what could still be a Great Model Road if he go's back and fix's a lot of things, I am sorry, But my eye see's a lot of thing's maybe other people miss because some thing take's up a lot of space, I have a working HO Scale Model Railroad, maybe that's why I see things out of place. and yes I could have just said it looks good, But I could not have done that like a lot of people would and did say. I am know to my friends as The Locomotive after some of my engines, and the one I love the most, The great GG-1.
OK, "The Locomotive"...just a few observations.
1. "Shift" and "Enter" pressed together will render line breaks and begin new paragraphs. Try it.
2. Grab a copy of the MLA Style Manual and review basic grammar and "run on sentences." I struggled to read your
rant.
3. This smacks of a rant bordering on a jealous husband or boyfriend. Remember, it is a HOBBY - and a labor of
love.
4. Did you ever stop to think *this* is what the owner WANTED *his* layout to look like? Obviously not.
5. Do you realize the only compliment you paid was "It's BIG?" Seriously?
Rivet Counters and critics, like terrorists, belong together in the seventh level of hell. They are dying a slow and painful death fortunately, just like Model Railroader. Observe how being obstinate, stubborn, having the unwillingness to change, and without fail, featuring the same "Ole Boys Club" layouts, decade after decade, has done for them. One foot in the grave.
High levels of detail, thousand-dollar locomotives, and strings of super-detailed rolling stock with over-the-top undercarriage plumbing accoutrements might not be everyone's cup of tea...or budget. Maybe this guy is a working stiff like 99.8% of us, and quite possibly doesn't have the time, finances or "connections" like Tony Koester does to spend years researching Sanborn maps, Historical Society documents, histories of towns, counties, municipalities and prototypical railroads.
After a while, approaching a layout (or hobby) as a Smithsonian or Museum of Natural History installation can be rather boorish.
To me, it appears that he was wanting to have fun and enjoy running his trains. And he gets crucified for *THAT!?!*
You REALLY did not think your reply all the way through, did you? In your haste to chop this man's life work down, you put yourself out there like a true jackass. Congratulations.
Here's hoping for some decorum, better grammar...and a little more consideration and courtesy the next time you pony up to the keyboard, Mr. Personality...or should I say, "The Locomotive."
Whoaaaaaa Hold on there, First off ENGLISH is NOT some thing I see a lot of on You Tube, so I don't worry to much about it, And yes I may have been somewhat HARSH with my comment, but It was intended for the Beginner as What Not to Do. Second I do not have any of the Hang-Up's you put on me, Just like to type fast and move on. Third If this is the guy's best, So be it, In which case it is the BEST Layout I have every Seen. Ok Also I know it is a Hobby some thing to have FUN with, But some time's FUN and HARD or GOOD WORK, go hand in hand. Thanks for your Thought's
I have to say, uncharitable as it may seem, I have to agree with most of what Joseph Meko said.
The whole thing looks as though Lou has bought many items straight out of the box and plonked them down with little thought. For example; many of the buildings appear to be sitting 'on' the 'ground', as opposed to being 'built' into their surroundings. Others have also commented on the 'out-of-scale' vehicles and numerous other faux-pas, so need for me to heap more s**t on Lou's parade.
One of the cardinal sins that Lou has committed (at least from a modeller's point of view) is to try to cram too much into too small a space. Agreed it IS a big room, but put too much in even the biggest room and everything just looks overcrowded.
Having said all that, I must congratulate Lou on his lineside rock strata. It's superb, so all is not lost.
30+ years to get this far, so why not now spend a little time thinning out the clutter and paying a little more attention to detail? In a year or two Lou could have a magnificent model railway (or railroad, as our cousins across the pond will insist on calling it).
I'm 100% with John Meko. He's not mean or irrational. I'm the tough love guy in a MRR forum I belong to. There are too many 'yes men' and arse kissers in this hobby. The operative word is 'model' railroading. If we want to label this a toy train set then it'd not be easy to criticize it. Some people still have those roundy round O (scale ?) Lionel Christmas tree, ping pong table figure 8 'layouts' and love it. They are not model railroaders, though. Like them, this one also shouldn't be deemed a MRR ...It's just too, too goofy. Everything Meko cited I do too. Boy those Machbox, like 1:75 scale vehicles are tough to take; and hundreds all over the place. Sorry John Muccianti and photographer if you have been saddened by all these negative posts. Anyone who loves trains is a swell guy (or gal) to me.. We just would like to get you to see the light, do some reading on the subject and maybe look at how realistic many of the layouts are and just what causes this to be. I buy way more TRAINS magazines than MRRer Mag because it don't get more real than that. We get to see the way the 1:1 scale does it. After that it's easy to find out how to do it in 1:87 scale. Call this tough love, not a put down or a dislike of you ! It's just your hobby skills need tweaking .. Mark
Thank You Mark, I did not want to be the only honest MMR to say what I thought about this Lay Out, It would have been Easy to say Looks Good and stop. I mean we should be able to say stuff Man to Man and I hope he took it the right way. I had a corner of one Pike to finish, I did a Mountain and spent $200.00 on 4000 Trees just to make it FEEL RIGHT with me. and it was only 3' X 3'. I am very hard on myself because it has to look Pardon the words LIFE-LIKE LOL or I will tear it all up and re do the whole thing, John only need's to refine so ok a lot of space's And he may just do that, Hopefully if he dose it will look better, John Read Model Railroader great magazine.
But I think it has to be In Side you, and the love of the whole small world to be right is on your shoulder's.
This is spectacular. I spent three whole days at the Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg GA and *STILL* could hardly get it all in. They had just completed the new airport section and it was just too cool. The skill and dedication of the whole army of artist and modelers is top shelf. This is one of the nicest private sets I have seen.
Glad you enjoy this layout and here is a playlist of trains I thought you'd enjoy. ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
You could probably make a movie using this layout and get away with it. So wonderful.
Thanks for sharing your comments,
Lou
I had to switch it off at 3 minutes. The level of detail is decidedly novice.
Hi Fred,
Thanks for viewing and sharing,
Lou
This video and more importantly most of the comments demonstrate that most will rarely be honest, even when one is not face to face but between computer screens.
The size and scale is commendable, but the poorly executed scenery, buildings and schematics make it look bad.
I see way too many unpainted buildings. This is what happens if you do not paint structures--they look toylike, too bright and plastic.
Some other critical comments have pointed out mixing wildly out of scale *TOY* cars in this layout. As others have said, these and other defects make the layout more like a toy.
Take out some of the el cheapo, unpainted tyco buildings, get rid of the toy cars, redo the far from realistic roads. Get rid of the gimmicks like the plane in the mountain, and this could become quite respectable.
As is though, it is an eyesore. The channel's arrogant boasting about possibly being the greatest layout ever just incites resentment and scorn.
Dear F.W. I found your comment in my SPAM box, however please share the link to your train layout so I / we can compare to what an awesome layout should look like. If you want to be a Critic, I'm sure you can handle the "Honest" feedback :-) Lou
Someone who says it like it is. It's a big TOY and nothing more.
Seems your rant lost a little in the translation. F.W. Sauerteig made a perfectly valid criticism of a rather poorly put together toy train set (without the need to foulmouth anyone). I hesitate to call it a model railway (railroad). Perhaps after you've sobered up a little and ceased to be so confrontational in your use of the language of the gutter, you might appreciate some of the expert modelling of others (via UA-cam) who don't feel the need to make the same wildly extravagant claims as the maker of this video.. True, not everyone can create a model masterpiece, and all credit to John Muccianti for his efforts, but the fact remains that it is very toy-like, and it's always risky making claims that something is'The Greatest', when quite obviously it isn't.
Brisdad53 I agree with both sides it is amazing but not anything on a level of being the best, also you have to criticize stuff before it is finished so it can be done correctly or improved saying oh "he's not done" or something along those lines doesn't help anyone.
PreNeander
Certainly not "fine scale" - too cluttered, colours too bright- a"toy" appearance.
I just never realized that Salt Lake City was one big junkyard.
Have to agree. Not to take away from the effort made by the model railroad owner, but a bit overhyped by the video maker. Lots of glossy "Plasticville" buildings, Matchbox (or equivalent) vehicles, etc. utilized throughout.
Your just being an idiot, there is no standard, its what a person can do and not to your opinion. You go out into nature and say, hey all the trees are not proportional, the fields dont have BLAH BLAH BLAH.
(You are) Certainly not appreciative of the man's efforts, passion, and dedication. This is an incredible layout and would bring hours (if not years) of joy and appreciation to anyone who has had the opportunity to experience, much less own it.
Would love to see YOUR layout that obviously adheres to the "fine scale" you are referring to - and avoids a "toy" appearance at any cost. #eyeroll
freedomisfromtruth n
Wow! What a fabulous layout! Does he ever sleep? Teacher, painter and model railroad builder! Thanks John, for letting Lou film your layout. Thanks Lou, I love model layouts, they remind me of my cousin and the fun times we spent creating a layout in his basement. Thanks again Jess
Hi Jess,
Thanks for viewing and sharing about the good times at your cousin's building a layout.
Lou
Hi Lou • John has a first class layout & I agree a layout is never finished. With is skills he will always have a project. Thanks for doing this detailed tour.
Hi Gary,
Thanks for sharing and viewing. If you'd like to see the "extended cut" here is the video link ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
Take care,
Lou
I would have smashed it
:-0 Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
John's passion is so heartwarming. You can definitely feel a sort of childish "You're not playing with it right!" vibe coming from him as a result of the rushed tour. You can tell he wants to talk for hours about each detail, yet he repeatedly sidesteps his own personality for the sake of entertaining at the speed of his cameraman guest.
What a lovable guy! This video just boosted my mood. :)
Keep it up, John!
Hi 420Kasper420, Glad this video "boosted your mood" :-) Bonus is there is an "extended cut" of John's layout. Here is the link, enjoy! Lou ua-cam.com/video/D1Xw7ngQzMQ/v-deo.html
Excellent work !!
Hi MrRJDB1969, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
This bring me back to my childhood memories with going to the yankie candle during winter holidays, this definitely yearns me with precious times. Thank you for this video!
Hi TheUnholy_Plague, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) You're welcome. Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
thank you!
My pleasure and you're welcome.
Call Guinness world records this guy's wins 🏆
Hi Wayne, Happy to read you enjoy this layout :-) Good news! Here is a link to a playlist I created of model train layouts & trains for you to enjoy, Lou ua-cam.com/play/PLkoIzmOYXcchOyKhEHn_2-NqjpNFq64U3.html
I enjoyed the layout, shame about the trolls and those that don't know the difference between a question and a statement. The owner is having fun and if he is happy with it that is all that matters. Good on him I say!!!
Thanks Scott,
Glad you enjoyed it. I'm talking with John about doing an "extended cut" with more details, less shaky camera and taking more time. Stay tuned,
Lou