I remember when you made the decision to remove your garage layout and start over in the new shed. A lot of decisions and excitement planning this layout. I can’t see redoing this one any less exciting and adventurous. Looking forward to all your videos and progress 😊
Hobbies are about doing what you enjoy. Not finishing. I am happy to see you are giving more consideration too access on your next build. You and I are not getting any younger and stoop and squat gets to be less desirable. I think the more difficult the access the less fun. As you said, with PECO you will be able to condense and gain space. That's a great idea also. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Have fun, and thanks for your content. It's great to watch you think and build.
Sounds like you have given that a lot of thought. . I love steam so I am looking forward to seeing them run in the future . Great luck to you as you move forward !!
Wow! Thats so pretty big news. I have been following you for a few years now, and Really look forward to your video's, I seem this layout come alive, its been awsome!, Well I will be here hoping to see a beautiful layout being built.
Mike, although your layout room never seemed too crowded to me, I'm loving your plan! Especially excited to see you go back to an earlier era and a steam focus. 😁 Looking forward to seeing the coming videos.
Will miss ACT 4! The old gal is a stunning Railroad! But I am thrilled to see the ACT 5! I really like the ideas you are running with. Sounds like it will be fun to build and fun to run! Yeehaw!
Happy New Year to you and Robin. I have learned a lot watching the current build, always more to learn. thanks for the memories (as Bob Hope would say)
I've enjoyed the journey of the ACTRR 4 (and 2 & 3). Sad to see it go, but looking forward to following you on the adventure of the ACTRR 5. You do great work and make enjoyable videos. Looking forward to see what 2025 brings.
I think we all understand what you're going through. This Spring I had that dreaded "OMG, I think it's really done....now what?" moment on my layout (23'x34', N scale). Maybe it's completion letdown, or just burnout, but I haven't done anything of importance to it in months. Instead, I've focused on a number of scale modelling projects that had piled up. I'm sure a moment of inspiration will get me back in the basement one of these days, but we all know that creative endeavors aren't linear, and sometimes taking a break is just what we need. Looking forward to seeing what you decide to do (or not do) next... 👍
I pulled up a diagram of the Central Midland Sub and it is really neat. Going with N-Scale, you can lengthen/enhance a few areas that HO won't let you do. Best Wishes ! 🙂
I am so behind on your progress on this layout that you are starting again, will allow me to be caught up. I'm sad to see the current layout go, but it's always fun to start building something new. Looking forward to the new project.
I dont mind you getting off the subject ever LOL. I like hearing any knowledge you have gained through your modelling and moxong it with wjat youve seen others do also! Good luck bud
That’s an amazing plan, Mike and my respect how much energy you are putting into the construction work. Yes, agree with Peco tracks airbrush etc it can look more realistic, but on the other hand Kato Unitrack are very reliable and almost no derailments whatsoever. But I am sure you will make it a success. Looking forward to your next videos and Happy New Year!
Well now that the decision is made and you're goin' with an older era, you're going to have to get bi-planes to hang over the layout! Lol! It's great to hear you so excited about your new venture! If I might suggest something, you mention getting some skinny draws for under the layout for your rolling stock? Look to see if someone isn't selling a blueprint cabinet on craigslist or some such site! They're great! I have one with 4 draws and it holds all my trains and rolling stock neat and in their place!
Mike, You have to be happy and I understand Its Your Layout and you make the choices. You Need to be Happy . Happy New Year to you and Robin Regard Greg
I have probably 35 tortoise switch machines on my layout. I then stumbled on a switch machine called MP1. Sourced from Model Railroad control systems. They are not a stall motor type but turn off power when the switching is complete. I have now switched to using their MP-1 because the list price is only $16.00 instead of $25.00 for the tortoise and they take up a lot less room.
Hi Mike. I have to be honest, my initial reaction to your thoughts, in your previous video, about taking out your existing layout and starting over, I was dumbfounded, as you have worked so hard on this layout, it looks amazing and you haven’t finished it. But then I got to thinking, we never seem to finish our home layouts, at least I never have. What is most important is that you are continuing to enjoy and experience model railway design and construction, which you do extremely well. I, like everyone else, are looking forward to riding along with you on your next layout. Keep up the fantastic work Mike. Best wishes, Barry UK.
Wow Mike. Are you just making it smaller? Sorry to see it taken apart. I have enjoyed watching you build this layout. Are you selling anything off like the FTs?? Happy New Year…..John
Hi Mike, I have been watching your for years and I am glad you are remotivating yourself. I am wondering are you going to go HO? That would be great so much more detail you can do might give you a new lease on model railorading!!!
It sounds like 2025 is going to be an exciting year for you, Robin, and us, your loyal devotees. I can't wait to see how ACT5 evolves. Is there a possibility that some of your existing buildings will end up in your resale shop? Ron
Sounds good Mike I cant wait to see the next layout!! i have to ask what is the plans for that airplane lol will you keep that in your collection? Have a great week and much love!
Rebuilding is always fun! The L shape is being expanded into a U shape? Will that still allow you enough room for visitors and other crew members? Just curious...
Tough decision but the right one. It's clear you're not happy with the current one. It's a shame as I've loved watching and like the outcome. Good luck Mike be watching to see how it develops 👍
Mike , I know you all do it , but it makes me sick when you guys either finish or close to finish and you start all over. But I’ll keep watching as the only railroading I can do is on train simulator.
I have a wood top tool chest which is my workbench With thin drawers. Inside the drawers I have these jewellery trays that are lined with felt I pay 5$ each for at the dollar store. They are the perfect size to hold n scale rolling stock and are very shallow. Each one holds exactly perfect 32x 40’ boxcars. when I need to change out rolling stock I carry the tray to the yard and it works perfectly. I also have fold out cupholders on my fascia made out of the same black plastic that the throttle holders are. If you need help finding these things or you can’t find them in the states just let me know. I could mail you some. And as Johnny cash would say: “Sunday morning coming down”
I am going to park next to your trash can and make my next layout 😂
I remember when you made the decision to remove your garage layout and start over in the new shed. A lot of decisions and excitement planning this layout. I can’t see redoing this one any less exciting and adventurous. Looking forward to all your videos and progress 😊
Looking forward to following along as you build the new layout!!
Well, I can't say I'm surprised. Good luck with the new project. I look forward to following it.
LOL , Me Either Ron !!
Hi RON!
@@TheNorthwestWind Good day.
Hope to see a new track plan soon! You always do amazing work, as long as you are happy sir. I can't wait to see the new layout!!
Nothing like a new layout to help you fall in love with the hobby again
Looking forward to future videos
Hobbies are about doing what you enjoy. Not finishing. I am happy to see you are giving more consideration too access on your next build. You and I are not getting any younger and stoop and squat gets to be less desirable. I think the more difficult the access the less fun. As you said, with PECO you will be able to condense and gain space. That's a great idea also. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Have fun, and thanks for your content. It's great to watch you think and build.
Thanks so much Zeke and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Keep the great videos coming. I have learned so much from you. Thank you my freind and good luck going forward.
I look forward to your next layout.
I love what you have built. Would love to have such a GRAND layout. I wish I had your talent in building your lsyout.
This is exciting! Can’t wait to see your vision evolve. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Chip.
Can’t wait! Would love a video of the track plan
Sounds like you have given that a lot of thought. . I love steam so I am looking forward to seeing them run in the future . Great luck to you as you move forward !!
Good luck with your new layout, Mike. Looking forward following your new layout.
I really enjoyed watching the build of the current layout and look forward to the build of the next. Thanks for all the tips and inspiration.
Thanks Gene !!!
Wow! Thats so pretty big news. I have been following you for a few years now, and Really look forward to your video's, I seem this layout come alive, its been awsome!, Well I will be here hoping to see a beautiful layout being built.
Happy Holidays
Happy New Year
you can already hear the excitement in your words. the more you talked about it the more feelings you are expressing in the details,
Forward HO
Not HO. It will be in N Scale
End of the year; end of an era. Congrats, Mike, on your progress to decision. Keep up the good work and we’ll see you on your next build.
Mr Fifer, m c 29 is a great thanks. Yes keep the car lot, it's nice. Been picking up Gavin's material list for weathering. Again thanks
Good luck on your grand adventure!
Awesome video thank you for sharing
Mike, although your layout room never seemed too crowded to me, I'm loving your plan! Especially excited to see you go back to an earlier era and a steam focus. 😁 Looking forward to seeing the coming videos.
Thank You Cary. Happy New Year !
Sad to see ACT IV go but... I've always enjoyed watching you design and build. I can't wait to go through that on #5. Number Five is alive. 😁
LOL , good one !!
Will miss ACT 4! The old gal is a stunning Railroad! But I am thrilled to see the ACT 5! I really like the ideas you are running with. Sounds like it will be fun to build and fun to run! Yeehaw!
I think I and all of you will like it. We will try to incorperate some of the past layout items we liked.
Love it Mike! Move boldly into the future and always do this hobby the way that makes you happiest!
Thanks so much !!!
Happy New Year to you and Robin. I have learned a lot watching the current build, always more to learn. thanks for the memories (as Bob Hope would say)
Looking forward to following your progress Mike!
I've enjoyed the journey of the ACTRR 4 (and 2 & 3). Sad to see it go, but looking forward to following you on the adventure of the ACTRR 5. You do great work and make enjoyable videos. Looking forward to see what 2025 brings.
Thanks and Me Too !!
Sad to see your layout go but at the same time Exciting to contemplate seeing you build a new one! Rock on Mike!!
I think we all understand what you're going through. This Spring I had that dreaded "OMG, I think it's really done....now what?" moment on my layout (23'x34', N scale). Maybe it's completion letdown, or just burnout, but I haven't done anything of importance to it in months. Instead, I've focused on a number of scale modelling projects that had piled up. I'm sure a moment of inspiration will get me back in the basement one of these days, but we all know that creative endeavors aren't linear, and sometimes taking a break is just what we need. Looking forward to seeing what you decide to do (or not do) next... 👍
I pulled up a diagram of the Central Midland Sub and it is really neat. Going with N-Scale, you can lengthen/enhance a few areas that HO won't let you do. Best Wishes ! 🙂
That is exactly the plan.
I am so behind on your progress on this layout that you are starting again, will allow me to be caught up. I'm sad to see the current layout go, but it's always fun to start building something new. Looking forward to the new project.
Thanks Peter. Happy New Year
I dont mind you getting off the subject ever LOL. I like hearing any knowledge you have gained through your modelling and moxong it with wjat youve seen others do also! Good luck bud
Hi Mike,looking forward to the beginning of the new layout,would like you see the track plan you mentioned
Thanks , Video coming soon !!
That’s an amazing plan, Mike and my respect how much energy you are putting into the construction work. Yes, agree with Peco tracks airbrush etc it can look more realistic, but on the other hand Kato Unitrack are very reliable and almost no derailments whatsoever. But I am sure you will make it a success. Looking forward to your next videos and Happy New Year!
Well now that the decision is made and you're goin' with an older era, you're going to have to get bi-planes to hang over the layout! Lol! It's great to hear you so excited about your new venture! If I might suggest something, you mention getting some skinny draws for under the layout for your rolling stock? Look to see if someone isn't selling a blueprint cabinet on craigslist or some such site! They're great! I have one with 4 draws and it holds all my trains and rolling stock neat and in their place!
Cool , I will check it out. Happy New Year
R.I.P. layout. Good luck with your new layout
I would like to volunteer myself to “store” any of your unused structures on my layout, even the Terry Labonte jelly glass.
Mike, You have to be happy and I understand Its Your Layout and you make the choices. You Need to be Happy . Happy New Year to you and Robin Regard Greg
Thanks for the understanding ! Happy New Year !
I have probably 35 tortoise switch machines on my layout. I then stumbled on a switch machine called MP1. Sourced from Model Railroad control systems. They are not a stall motor type but turn off power when the switching is complete. I have now switched to using their MP-1 because the list price is only $16.00 instead of $25.00 for the tortoise and they take up a lot less room.
Thanks , Mike.
Id be interested in buying some of your buildings that wont be used
Not there yet
Hi Mike. I have to be honest, my initial reaction to your thoughts, in your previous video, about taking out your existing layout and starting over, I was dumbfounded, as you have worked so hard on this layout, it looks amazing and you haven’t finished it. But then I got to thinking, we never seem to finish our home layouts, at least I never have. What is most important is that you are continuing to enjoy and experience model railway design and construction, which you do extremely well. I, like everyone else, are looking forward to riding along with you on your next layout. Keep up the fantastic work Mike. Best wishes, Barry UK.
Thanks so much and yes , finishing is NOT an option. LOL
It is actually exciting. I look forward to the new RR. I'm in a downsizing mode myself. The good news I haven't done any scenery. Looks like fun.
I am very curious to see how everything is going to be
Looking forward to seeing the build. So I guess your gonna switch from Kato. If so will you be selling it thru your shop? Thanks for sharing. Dave
Thanks Dave , not sure yet. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Wow Mike. Are you just making it smaller? Sorry to see it taken apart. I have enjoyed watching you build this layout. Are you selling anything off like the FTs?? Happy New Year…..John
Not sure what I am selling or if I am selling. Happy New Year
This is great to hear, Mike ! Smaller is better. More attention to detail can be paid!
Yay Steam!!!
Hi Mike, I have been watching your for years and I am glad you are remotivating yourself. I am wondering are you going to go HO? That would be great so much more detail you can do might give you a new lease on model railorading!!!
No , No HO for me.
Aha, the game is afoot. Good luck Mike.
I would go with the Peco turnouts. They are very reliable and the electro frogs are power routing.
Thanks so much. That is the plan.
Mike
It sounds like 2025 is going to be an exciting year for you, Robin, and us, your loyal devotees. I can't wait to see how ACT5 evolves. Is there a possibility that some of your existing buildings will end up in your resale shop? Ron
Thanks Ron. Not sure on buildings and such
Sounds good Mike I cant wait to see the next layout!! i have to ask what is the plans for that airplane lol will you keep that in your collection? Have a great week and much love!
Rebuilding is always fun! The L shape is being expanded into a U shape? Will that still allow you enough room for visitors and other crew members? Just curious...
Yes it will with what I think I can do.
Mike
The Peco C55 is more robust than the Atlas C55. Even low profile wheels hit the spikes on the Atlas C55.
I Know, and I had a layout with Peco 55 and it was great.
Thanks, Mike
Awe Mike, no. It's too awesome a layout to take down. Build second building adjoining this one for the NEW layout, then connect the two in the back.
No cant do by codes
Oh nooooooo 🫣 I hope that sensational scrap yard gets reinvented on the new layout.
It will.
Tough decision but the right one. It's clear you're not happy with the current one. It's a shame as I've loved watching and like the outcome. Good luck Mike be watching to see how it develops 👍
Good by ACT4! 😭
Why not do something completely different and do the new layout in HO?
Not in your wildest dreams. TOO BIG
Mike , I know you all do it , but it makes me sick when you guys either finish or close to finish and you start all over. But I’ll keep watching as the only railroading I can do is on train simulator.
The idea is NOT to finish. Would you want to finish with life???
ua-cam.com/video/DhrZxSoLmgA/v-deo.html&t
I have a wood top tool chest which is my workbench With thin drawers. Inside the drawers I have these jewellery trays that are lined with felt I pay 5$ each for at the dollar store. They are the perfect size to hold n scale rolling stock and are very shallow. Each one holds exactly perfect 32x 40’ boxcars. when I need to change out rolling stock I carry the tray to the yard and it works perfectly.
I also have fold out cupholders on my fascia made out of the same black plastic that the throttle holders are.
If you need help finding these things or you can’t find them in the states just let me know. I could mail you some.
And as Johnny cash would say: “Sunday morning coming down”