I'm getting close to finishing this layout and here's some observations/tips for what it's worth. Hope it helps. 1. Before you begin, watch Dan's excellent series along with Copertude1 and the Woodland Scenics videos. I'd also recommend Luke Towan, Kathy Millatt and High Eye Workshop. 2. The kit generally gives you enough material but I found a few deficiencies. (I'd recommend an extra 1/4" styrofoam sheet for tunnel roofs and an extra 1/2" sheet for platforms and misc. I also needed one extra length of 2" riser to go from city to upper level. I also needed a lot more ballast then the kit provided. I'd also recommend a bag of Sculptamold and possibly an extra box of Hydrocal. 3. Don't waste your Hydrocal making big rocks. Only one set is sufficient. After that fill up the molds
Dave, excellent review! You nailed it. So many lessons we all learned along the way. Thanks for taking time to list these out and post, it's going to save people a lot of headaches! Thank you!
Thanks Dan! Great tutorial! I have the same layout but im doing things a little different. Adding railyard. Your video helped through the rough spots. I must have watched your video and studied it about 50 times.
Thanks for the great video Dan. You are very talented. I am new to model RR and just bought the grand valley layout, hope I can do close to the same level work as you do. I noticed you live in Colorado as I do.
I’m assembling mine as well and am having tons of fun doing it. Taking me longer than I expect it too. Las big issue I ran into was the plaster cloth covering the entire layout. As you have as well with yours, is all the little holes from the cloth showing thru. I ended up emailing woodland scenics as to another way of riding those. What I ended up doing was creating a watery hydrocal mixture and brushing it over the entire layout to completely seal the holes up. Have you noticed an other issues along the way? Much of the paint I got was minimal for the earth undercoat and needed more. Lol
Hi FlyingfinnRC, Yes I didn’t realize I was going to have the holes in the plaster cloth until I got close to the end. What I’ve done it’s just like you, created a slurry of hydrocol plaster to hide it where I need to. In a lot of cases the turf and landscape material hides a lot of it. I have some ongoing issues with the way that the foam road bed expands and contracts. I have the layout in a window and when it gets sun, a lot of times things will move causing certain track issues. Another thing that I wish I would have done early on, was figured out a way to eliminate the cross track coming out of the lower tunnel. I would have dug down a little to have clearance for trains to go over and under rather than cross right there. It would allow trains to run more easily without a chance of a collision when you turn your back for a moment. Ha ha. I also would have utilized more of the dead space inside the mountain. If you look at some of my later videos I actually created scenery modules to use inside the mountain. There’s one for Halloween, and one I did for Christmas Eve last year. Thanks so much for watching and commenting it really means a lot.
Thank you, I’m glad it can be of some help to you. If I can answer any questions about the GVL, or anything please don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Hi Jordan, it took me about 8 months to go from the very beginning, building the bench work to where I am at the end of the video. That’s working weekends mostly.
Dan’s Grand Valley awesome! Any estimate of total hours? I am asking because a longtime customer (I am a finish Carpenter) asked me to build this set for them. I had anticipated 25-30 hours but after doing the first layer of plaster to cover the hills and rails, I’ve already spent 37 hours 😂 and was just trying to get an idea of the hours it will take. Thank you again! I’m having a fantastic time doing this project, such an awesome hobby.
Oh my, I would have no idea. Plus I’m a perfectionist and labored way too hard on the insides of tunnels that no one sees. Ha. I would venture a guess of 80-120 hours, but that’s taking my time and going pretty slow. It is definitely a fun venture. Thank you for watching my video.
Dan’s Grand Valley RR I did the same thing with the tunnels! Wasted so much ballast inside the tunnels that I had to buy more 😂 thank you again for the response!
Dan I've viewed with interest the development of your Grand Valley layout.Thank you. I'm well into my seventies so thought I better get started on a long awaited HO project soon or else. The Grand Valley layout looks perfect for my shop size and abilities. Question - You have added additional track configuration to the basic layout, do you have plan available or a video I've missed of these modifications? Thanks for your informative channel.
Hi, thank you for watching. I will include a link here for one of my videos from a couple years ago. Update Number Nine, if you go to about the 12 minute mark, it’s where I start with the whole expansion idea. Subsequent update videos follow the process. ua-cam.com/video/DwApWf8ujic/v-deo.html The grand Valley is a great smaller layout, and I have done a lot with it. If you look at my recent Halloween video and then one I had last Christmas, I utilize the inside of the mountains by making scenery modules to fit inside. I always felt that the void inside the mountains was a waste of valuable space. Another major modification that I would make if I were starting over is I would eliminate the cross track right outside the second tunnel. It would be fabulous to not have to worry about trains running into each other at the cross. I would modify the tracks on the outside to go over, and I would excavate a little at the bottom to have those tracks go under. I think you’ll have a great time with that layout kit, please stay in touch and let me know how it goes for you. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask. Also Update Number Ten about the 10 minute mark. ua-cam.com/video/z2qsWQJSZsg/v-deo.html
Hi John, I did use the Woodland Scenics gun and glue sticks, but only because I had them left over from the initial build. You can use any low temp glue sticks and gun, and they will work just fine, just be sure it’s Low Temp. Great question, thanks for watching.
Hi Jason, I just went with the Woodland Scenics hot wire cutter and their low temp glue gun. They weren’t that much money, I think Amazon has them for a pretty good deal. The wire cutter is great, and you can get extra wire for it if needed, and the glue gun is perfect for all of the styrofoam because it doesn’t get too hot. You can use any low-temp hot glue gun on the market, you just have to make sure it’s low-temp. Thank you so much for watching and merry Christmas!
Hello Dan, It's Fedex Bob. I remember when Woodland Scenics introduced these lightweight layouts in HO and N Scale. They are really nice and you are doing a fine job on this one. Ballesting is the most tedious part of model railroading, good job on that and I like your roads. Are you using DCC? I built an N Scale railroad based on Model RR Magazines 'Virginian', when I retired in 2011. Their build was HO so I had to convert to N Scale. It came out really nice, but gave the layout to a Nephew's young son to enjoy, last year.
Boomer Boomer hey Bob! Wow that sounds awesome!! I’d love to see your layout! Thank you, yes ballasting was a big deal, but I got through it. Haha. Yes I’m running a DCC setup with a Bachmann command controller. I will be looking to expand that soon and pick up some other DCC with Sound locos and switchers. Thanks for checking it out, I’d love your input on anything you see I can do differently.
Hi Dan, Is there any particular order that works best for laying the plaster cloth over the prepared/paper stuffed layout? Left to right? Back to front? High to low? Section by section? And do you suggest plastering the entire track roadbed first since it's the most critical? TIA
Hi Dave, as I remember I started at the left-front and worked my way back, and up over the mountain, then moved right. I don’t think there’s a particular order that really matters. Just cut strips out of the plaster cloth that are easily managed. Too long and they tend to fold back on themselves, too short and you don’t get very much area covered. Remember you’ll most likely be coming back and doing a second layer for strength in places like the mountain and slope areas. The areas where the cloth is directly on foam sheeting won’t need a second layer. You’ll overlap the edges by about an inch, except along the track bed. There, you will butt the sheets up to each other so you don’t create a ridge. I know some guys that come along afterwards and paint on a plaster mixture to hide the holes in the cloth. I think that’s a good idea. The scenery will hide a lot of it, but not all of them, like on slopes and near rocky places. Have fun, keep me posted with your progress. 👍🏼😁
maarten t hi, those were actually included in the Woodland Scenics Grand Valley Layout kit. They are hydrocal plaster castings and are available in all kinds of varieties including random stone, brick or even wood. All I had to do was wash them with different colors to get the shading right then glue it onto the tunnel entrance. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hi Korey! I used a manufactured rock product from woodland scenics. The Grand Valley Layout came with fine and medium buff talus, and I bought the larger talus to use around my tunnels to mimic rock slides from the mountain above. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment.
Hi Dan, I have another question. Flat area C is the triangular area the train depot sits on. The road also cuts across it's tip. The manual says to use 1-3/4" risers with the 1/2" sheet. That means this area will be elevated 1/4" from the track risers, road and other platforms. From all your videos it looks like you kept this area at approx. 2" or maybe even lower. I'm quickly approaching the paper stuffing and plaster cloth phase. I really can't see why this area should be elevated. It seems to make more sense to keep it at 2" like everything else especially since the road is at this elevation. Did you deviate from the instructions and keep it at 2"? Thanks again for all the excellent advice!!
Hi Dave, I did make it even to make it a little easier with the road going through like you mentioned. I didn't think it needed to be raised. I believe they have it like that in the specs to make the platform height more correct with the train cars. I didn't think it mattered that much so I kept it level. Sounds like you're coming along nicely! Thanks for the comment.
@@DansGrandValley Thanks, I lowered mine to 2". Dan, do you think there's a better way to make the roads other then casting them with Smooth It? I'm thinking about hand cutting road sections out of large 3/16" foam poster board panels , gluing them down and then paint them asphalt once I'm at that step.
@@cottydry Yes you got it, use foam board to make the roads. The smooth it is too messy and time consuming. I used foam sheet goods for my industry parking lots and roads, and my whole upper city area.
Hi I started out with just regular newspaper but I ran out. So I bought a package of plain newsprint sheets from Amazon and had enough to finish the job. That is the grey plain paper you see in the video.
Chanwalk16 hi, I made them using silicone molds that came with the kit, and some other molds that I bought at the hobby shop. You fill them with hydrocal plaster then color them with different color washes.
Dan, it looks like you built the station platform level with the risers but when I built it to plan specs it is raised a bit. Did you end up changing this later?
tvtoms I did make it even. Raised a little didn’t seem right to me. I brought my passenger trains in and made sure it looked right for people height. It seemed fine. It was a very small difference so I didn’t bother changing it. I’m sure the specs are correct though. Good eye picking that up!! 😁
@@DansGrandValley I'm actually not sure the instructions are correct. If you check the picture on the box and the woodland scenics video where they use the GV layout, they also show the platform as level with the risers how you did it! You answered what I was wondering but hadn't asked; does the station platform seem correct for passengers to embark and disembark on the level or not. I have the building kit arriving in a day or so. I'll check it out too and go from there. I also noticed that you seem to have used about 2 and a half sections of 1 inch riser for the roadway. I think I'll end up doing that too.
@@tvtoms Right on! Yes, I did use 1" risers for the road to the city and the upper area, but that was per spec on page 14. They recommend stuffing newspaper underneath for strength but I think I cut pieces of scrap foam and glued them under the risers to make them rigid.
Hi Jorge Hormazabal, I made the base from a single plywood sheet that is 122 centimeters by 244 centimeters (4 ft x 8 ft). I added a small shelf on the front that can be any size that is convenient.
Hi Dan....checking in from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Model railroading is something that I've always wanted to get into. Given the current times and faced with a long cold winter here I thought it was time to pursue it. I'm a total newbie to this and am relying on people such as you, as well as local train/hobby shops for advice. Have started watching all of your videos.....inspirational to say the least! I've bought the same layout, and was wondering why you had extended your benchwork as shown in the video.....looks like you added an additional 6" over and above?
Hi Dunk! First off thank you so much for watching and taking time to comment! I’m so happy to hear that you find my videos useful. It’s definitely a great hobby! Without giving away any upcoming videos (spoiler alert), when I initially built the bench for the layout I added the 6” as a place to have the DC controller as well as a place to set any tools I needed. Also a great place for setting train cars etc. thanks again for watching. I’m looking forward to hearing about your progress. Please keep me updated and don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have. 👍🏼
@@DansGrandValley Thank you for the response Dan! Given that I've chosen you to be my mentor for this project I'm sure you'll be hearing lots from me! I hope that your benchwork video comes out before I start building mine....hint, hint😉
@@dunkmcintosh5969 right on! Checkout Update Number Nine here: ua-cam.com/video/DwApWf8ujic/v-deo.html That’s where the inspiration started for the bench and layout modifications. It will definitely give you ideas to consider before starting the layout. Depending on how much room you have available, some guys add switches on the right side of the layout (opposite the mountain) for a way to expand later on. In this video, Update Nine, I decided to add a yard. You’ll see how that developed and grew in subsequent videos. 😁
Thanks Dan! Great tutorial! I have the same layout but im doing things a little different. Adding railyard. Your video helped through the rough spots. I must have watched your video and studied it about 50 times.
Oh that’s awesome George, thank you. Looking back there are a few things I wish I’d done differently but over all it was a great build. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment, much appreciated. Good luck with your build.
One of the best step by step progression images. Bravo!
Thank you Josep. 👍🏼
That Table looks Too Sweet Nice!
Thank you! 👍🏼
Beautifully done ✅
Thank you!
I'm getting close to finishing this layout and here's some observations/tips for what it's worth. Hope it helps.
1. Before you begin, watch Dan's excellent series along with Copertude1 and the Woodland Scenics videos. I'd also recommend Luke Towan, Kathy Millatt and High Eye Workshop.
2. The kit generally gives you enough material but I found a few deficiencies. (I'd recommend an extra 1/4" styrofoam sheet for tunnel roofs and an extra 1/2" sheet for platforms and misc. I also needed one extra length of 2" riser to go from city to upper level. I also needed a lot more ballast then the kit provided. I'd also recommend a bag of Sculptamold and possibly an extra box of Hydrocal.
3. Don't waste your Hydrocal making big rocks. Only one set is sufficient. After that fill up the molds
Dave, excellent review! You nailed it. So many lessons we all learned along the way. Thanks for taking time to list these out and post, it's going to save people a lot of headaches! Thank you!
Thanks Dan! Great tutorial! I have the same layout but im doing things a little different. Adding railyard. Your video helped through the rough spots. I must have watched your video and studied it about 50 times.
I particularly like your tunnels and the small pond. Nice features.
Thank you David. 👍🏼
Amazing job
Thank you.
This is a MASTERPIECE! Compliments a lot! Wonderful!
Thank you so much Salvatore! I appreciate that.
Thanks for the great video Dan. You are very talented. I am new to model RR and just bought the grand valley layout, hope I can do close to the same level work as you do. I noticed you live in Colorado as I do.
Thanks Mark! Yes we’re in Parker. Have fun with the GVL and if you have any questions please feel free to ask. Where abouts are you?
@@DansGrandValley I live in Penrose on the weekends, I live in Brighton during my work week at DIA.
Thank you so much! Looks good and very helpful as I begin my Grand Valley RR.
Thank you David! Have fun!
I’m assembling mine as well and am having tons of fun doing it. Taking me longer than I expect it too. Las big issue I ran into was the plaster cloth covering the entire layout. As you have as well with yours, is all the little holes from the cloth showing thru. I ended up emailing woodland scenics as to another way of riding those. What I ended up doing was creating a watery hydrocal mixture and brushing it over the entire layout to completely seal the holes up. Have you noticed an other issues along the way? Much of the paint I got was minimal for the earth undercoat and needed more. Lol
Hi FlyingfinnRC, Yes I didn’t realize I was going to have the holes in the plaster cloth until I got close to the end. What I’ve done it’s just like you, created a slurry of hydrocol plaster to hide it where I need to. In a lot of cases the turf and landscape material hides a lot of it. I have some ongoing issues with the way that the foam road bed expands and contracts. I have the layout in a window and when it gets sun, a lot of times things will move causing certain track issues. Another thing that I wish I would have done early on, was figured out a way to eliminate the cross track coming out of the lower tunnel. I would have dug down a little to have clearance for trains to go over and under rather than cross right there. It would allow trains to run more easily without a chance of a collision when you turn your back for a moment. Ha ha. I also would have utilized more of the dead space inside the mountain. If you look at some of my later videos I actually created scenery modules to use inside the mountain. There’s one for Halloween, and one I did for Christmas Eve last year. Thanks so much for watching and commenting it really means a lot.
Watching these videos helps A lot that looking at Magazines and Seeing the Same thing your watching And saying Really?
Thank you, I’m glad it can be of some help to you. If I can answer any questions about the GVL, or anything please don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Very cool! Was wondering the completion time you think it took from start to finish. Thank you!
Hi Jordan, it took me about 8 months to go from the very beginning, building the bench work to where I am at the end of the video. That’s working weekends mostly.
Dan’s Grand Valley awesome! Any estimate of total hours? I am asking because a longtime customer (I am a finish Carpenter) asked me to build this set for them. I had anticipated 25-30 hours but after doing the first layer of plaster to cover the hills and rails, I’ve already spent 37 hours 😂 and was just trying to get an idea of the hours it will take. Thank you again! I’m having a fantastic time doing this project, such an awesome hobby.
Oh my, I would have no idea. Plus I’m a perfectionist and labored way too hard on the insides of tunnels that no one sees. Ha. I would venture a guess of 80-120 hours, but that’s taking my time and going pretty slow. It is definitely a fun venture. Thank you for watching my video.
Dan’s Grand Valley RR I did the same thing with the tunnels! Wasted so much ballast inside the tunnels that I had to buy more 😂 thank you again for the response!
Dan I've viewed with interest the development of your Grand Valley layout.Thank you. I'm well into my seventies so thought I better get started on a long awaited HO project soon or else. The Grand Valley layout looks perfect for my shop size and abilities. Question - You have added additional track configuration to the basic layout, do you have plan available or a video I've missed of these modifications? Thanks for your informative channel.
Hi, thank you for watching. I will include a link here for one of my videos from a couple years ago. Update Number Nine, if you go to about the 12 minute mark, it’s where I start with the whole expansion idea. Subsequent update videos follow the process.
ua-cam.com/video/DwApWf8ujic/v-deo.html
The grand Valley is a great smaller layout, and I have done a lot with it. If you look at my recent Halloween video and then one I had last Christmas, I utilize the inside of the mountains by making scenery modules to fit inside. I always felt that the void inside the mountains was a waste of valuable space. Another major modification that I would make if I were starting over is I would eliminate the cross track right outside the second tunnel. It would be fabulous to not have to worry about trains running into each other at the cross. I would modify the tracks on the outside to go over, and I would excavate a little at the bottom to have those tracks go under. I think you’ll have a great time with that layout kit, please stay in touch and let me know how it goes for you. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.
Also Update Number Ten about the 10 minute mark.
ua-cam.com/video/z2qsWQJSZsg/v-deo.html
Always wanted to build a model rr, but I am not to crafty
Hey Dan,
Did you use a Woodland Scenics Glue Gun with their specific Low Temp Foam Glue Sticks, or can you use any low temp glue gun and glue sticks?
Hi John, I did use the Woodland Scenics gun and glue sticks, but only because I had them left over from the initial build. You can use any low temp glue sticks and gun, and they will work just fine, just be sure it’s Low Temp. Great question, thanks for watching.
Can you recommend a good hot wire cutter and glue gun?
Hi Jason, I just went with the Woodland Scenics hot wire cutter and their low temp glue gun. They weren’t that much money, I think Amazon has them for a pretty good deal. The wire cutter is great, and you can get extra wire for it if needed, and the glue gun is perfect for all of the styrofoam because it doesn’t get too hot. You can use any low-temp hot glue gun on the market, you just have to make sure it’s low-temp. Thank you so much for watching and merry Christmas!
Roders in the sky
Uh Oh..started over....lots of work in a relatively short time.... great job
What color paint wash is that? Trying to get myself some! 8:21
Hi, that is Woodland Scenics Earth Undercoat C1229.
Woodland Scenics Undercoat 8 oz-Earth www.amazon.com/dp/B00BQR1DKW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_42SWBKAJ5MD2JY71CN09?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
@@DansGrandValley THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! Did you add water?
@@FuzionHyperX I didn’t. You certainly can. I ended up buying another larger bottle than the one that came with the kit.
@@DansGrandValley really appreciate you getting back to me! Thank you Dan
Hello Dan, It's Fedex Bob. I remember when Woodland Scenics introduced these lightweight layouts in HO and N Scale. They are really nice and you are doing a fine job on this one. Ballesting is the most tedious part of model railroading, good job on that and I like your roads. Are you using DCC?
I built an N Scale railroad based on Model RR Magazines 'Virginian', when I retired in 2011. Their build was HO so I had to convert to N Scale. It came out really nice, but gave the layout to a Nephew's young son to enjoy, last year.
Boomer Boomer hey Bob! Wow that sounds awesome!! I’d love to see your layout! Thank you, yes ballasting was a big deal, but I got through it. Haha. Yes I’m running a DCC setup with a Bachmann command controller. I will be looking to expand that soon and pick up some other DCC with Sound locos and switchers. Thanks for checking it out, I’d love your input on anything you see I can do differently.
Hi Dan, Is there any particular order that works best for laying the plaster cloth over the prepared/paper stuffed layout? Left to right? Back to front? High to low? Section by section? And do you suggest plastering the entire track roadbed first since it's the most critical? TIA
Hi Dave, as I remember I started at the left-front and worked my way back, and up over the mountain, then moved right. I don’t think there’s a particular order that really matters. Just cut strips out of the plaster cloth that are easily managed. Too long and they tend to fold back on themselves, too short and you don’t get very much area covered. Remember you’ll most likely be coming back and doing a second layer for strength in places like the mountain and slope areas. The areas where the cloth is directly on foam sheeting won’t need a second layer. You’ll overlap the edges by about an inch, except along the track bed. There, you will butt the sheets up to each other so you don’t create a ridge. I know some guys that come along afterwards and paint on a plaster mixture to hide the holes in the cloth. I think that’s a good idea. The scenery will hide a lot of it, but not all of them, like on slopes and near rocky places. Have fun, keep me posted with your progress. 👍🏼😁
How did you form the realistic brick texture and structure of the entrances to the tunnels?
maarten t hi, those were actually included in the Woodland Scenics Grand Valley Layout kit. They are hydrocal plaster castings and are available in all kinds of varieties including random stone, brick or even wood. All I had to do was wash them with different colors to get the shading right then glue it onto the tunnel entrance. Thanks for watching and commenting!
did you buy those smaller rocks in the creek and on top of the mountain or where they real rocks? same rocks for the base of the tunnel entrances too
Hi Korey! I used a manufactured rock product from woodland scenics. The Grand Valley Layout came with fine and medium buff talus, and I bought the larger talus to use around my tunnels to mimic rock slides from the mountain above. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment.
Hi Dan, I have another question. Flat area C is the triangular area the train depot sits on. The road also cuts across it's tip. The manual says to use 1-3/4" risers with the 1/2" sheet. That means this area will be elevated 1/4" from the track risers, road and other platforms. From all your videos it looks like you kept this area at approx. 2" or maybe even lower. I'm quickly approaching the paper stuffing and plaster cloth phase. I really can't see why this area should be elevated. It seems to make more sense to keep it at 2" like everything else especially since the road is at this elevation. Did you deviate from the instructions and keep it at 2"? Thanks again for all the excellent advice!!
Hi Dave, I did make it even to make it a little easier with the road going through like you mentioned. I didn't think it needed to be raised. I believe they have it like that in the specs to make the platform height more correct with the train cars. I didn't think it mattered that much so I kept it level. Sounds like you're coming along nicely! Thanks for the comment.
@@DansGrandValley Thanks, I lowered mine to 2". Dan, do you think there's a better way to make the roads other then casting them with Smooth It? I'm thinking about hand cutting road sections out of large 3/16" foam poster board panels , gluing them down and then paint them asphalt once I'm at that step.
@@cottydry Yes you got it, use foam board to make the roads. The smooth it is too messy and time consuming. I used foam sheet goods for my industry parking lots and roads, and my whole upper city area.
Hey dan, I’m about to start creating the mountain and I wanted to ask, what kind of paper did you use to make it
Hi I started out with just regular newspaper but I ran out. So I bought a package of plain newsprint sheets from Amazon and had enough to finish the job. That is the grey plain paper you see in the video.
Question, how did you make the rocks or did you use ready rock?
Chanwalk16 hi, I made them using silicone molds that came with the kit, and some other molds that I bought at the hobby shop. You fill them with hydrocal plaster then color them with different color washes.
Dan’s Grand Valley Layout ah. Thank you 😊
Dan, it looks like you built the station platform level with the risers but when I built it to plan specs it is raised a bit. Did you end up changing this later?
tvtoms I did make it even. Raised a little didn’t seem right to me. I brought my passenger trains in and made sure it looked right for people height. It seemed fine. It was a very small difference so I didn’t bother changing it. I’m sure the specs are correct though. Good eye picking that up!! 😁
@@DansGrandValley I'm actually not sure the instructions are correct. If you check the picture on the box and the woodland scenics video where they use the GV layout, they also show the platform as level with the risers how you did it! You answered what I was wondering but hadn't asked; does the station platform seem correct for passengers to embark and disembark on the level or not.
I have the building kit arriving in a day or so. I'll check it out too and go from there.
I also noticed that you seem to have used about 2 and a half sections of 1 inch riser for the roadway. I think I'll end up doing that too.
@@tvtoms Right on! Yes, I did use 1" risers for the road to the city and the upper area, but that was per spec on page 14. They recommend stuffing newspaper underneath for strength but I think I cut pieces of scrap foam and glued them under the risers to make them rigid.
Which are the dimensions of the table base (centimeters) i need to buy the table for the base
Hi Jorge Hormazabal, I made the base from a single plywood sheet that is 122 centimeters by 244 centimeters (4 ft x 8 ft). I added a small shelf on the front that can be any size that is convenient.
Dan’s Grand Valley Layout thanx
Hi Dan....checking in from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Model railroading is something that I've always wanted to get into. Given the current times and faced with a long cold winter here I thought it was time to pursue it. I'm a total newbie to this and am relying on people such as you, as well as local train/hobby shops for advice. Have started watching all of your videos.....inspirational to say the least! I've bought the same layout, and was wondering why you had extended your benchwork as shown in the video.....looks like you added an additional 6" over and above?
Hi Dunk! First off thank you so much for watching and taking time to comment! I’m so happy to hear that you find my videos useful. It’s definitely a great hobby! Without giving away any upcoming videos (spoiler alert), when I initially built the bench for the layout I added the 6” as a place to have the DC controller as well as a place to set any tools I needed. Also a great place for setting train cars etc. thanks again for watching. I’m looking forward to hearing about your progress. Please keep me updated and don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have. 👍🏼
@@DansGrandValley Thank you for the response Dan! Given that I've chosen you to be my mentor for this project I'm sure you'll be hearing lots from me! I hope that your benchwork video comes out before I start building mine....hint, hint😉
@@dunkmcintosh5969 right on! Checkout Update Number Nine here: ua-cam.com/video/DwApWf8ujic/v-deo.html
That’s where the inspiration started for the bench and layout modifications. It will definitely give you ideas to consider before starting the layout. Depending on how much room you have available, some guys add switches on the right side of the layout (opposite the mountain) for a way to expand later on. In this video, Update Nine, I decided to add a yard. You’ll see how that developed and grew in subsequent videos. 😁
Starting from Scratch means go Slow work it Carefully.
Thanks Dan! Great tutorial! I have the same layout but im doing things a little different. Adding railyard. Your video helped through the rough spots. I must have watched your video and studied it about 50 times.
Oh that’s awesome George, thank you. Looking back there are a few things I wish I’d done differently but over all it was a great build. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment, much appreciated. Good luck with your build.