A basic overview of my layout. I hope to do more videos on specific aspects in the near future. Link to 3D Lidar scan of my layout: poly.cam/capture/A6BEC8E1-0C9...
I think 90% of the people that don't like 3 rail O scale is not so much the third-rail, it has more to do with everybody that builds them seem to make more toy like. Like post-war Lionel which was fine but not a highly detailed scale layout. Your layout is phenomenal. The detail and realism and scale of it is just fantastic.
A “Master Master’s Layout”. The word “Outstanding” does not do justice to your excellent layout. I really, really appreciate this particular video. Incredible detail and lighting. Your buildings are as lifelike as it gets. The weathering is at an artistic level. Wow - the 3-D was awesome. Thanks so much with sharing. Your layout is not surpassed by any and maybe at best only a couple that come close to equaling it in my opinion. Guess you can tell that I and your subscribers eagerly await you uploads. This one is especially solid.
Absolute marvel! The textures, colors and composition of things is way better than reality and it’s rich with purposeful details and super elevated craftsmanship. Please do a video on power and command and for sure show some “under construction” pics. Just amazing!
Yeah, I've seen 3-rail scale model railroads look not-so-great. Yet the work and skill you've put into yours make the 3rd rail just a moot point. It really catches the eye away from that fact and puts it on the scenery and the trains and it's done beautifully! I wish I had the time and the talent to make my HO Scale look near as good. Great stuff all around, Norm! I'm an Over-The-Road Truck Driver, out for a week at a time, time can be a scarce commodity.
My (uneducated) opinion is that most O-gauge layouts I see look like toys. This is one of the first that I've seen that looks legitimately realistic. Well done.
Norm, a few comments. First, when I was born Harry Truman was president and I lived in a Class 1 eastern RR division point town. Growing up in the 50's, I can attest that your attempt at simulating that sort of town at that time is literally spot on, from the industries to the bars and houses of ill-repute! Second, it occurs to me that a hirail layout as superbly executing as yours actually has an advantage over the typical 2-rail layout. Signaling and basic wiring would be easier, but the ability to take advantage of hirail's tighter curves makes a class one railroad a real possibility in a typical basement rather than in a warehouse.
I've had an interest in lighting stuff for most of my adult life. I've mostly vented this in the theater, shining light on those places that a director thought most appropriate. I just wanted to give you massive props to your lighting setup. It really makes the layout shine, and shows the level of detail and care you put into your railroad. Well done 😎
I originally lit the layout with 50W PAR20 halogens and some 3000K CFLs in the valance before switching over to LEDs. I even started with 3100K LED PAR20s before finally making the switch to 5000K, even in the valance. I should probably do a vid on lighting someday.
It's always neat to see the behind the scene, so to speak, layout in it's entirety against the viewing angles shown on video. You are a master in this scale making realism out of the hobby. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks for posting. Outstanding layout. That era in railroading is my favorite also, only I lived through it. I enjoyed watching your rolling stock in action.
Norm, this is exactly what I have been waiting to see and you delivered. As you stated more videos geared towards your layout would be great. Construction of the background buildings, roads, retaining walls, etc. would be most appreciated. Your work continues to inspire us 3-railer scalers. Thanks for the video.
Norm, easily the best execution of an oval layout. I really like that you have an 'hidden' access isle down the middle which I'm sure helps with working on your awesome scenery. Weathered trains + track + scenery creates a very realistic model railroad. Extremely well done and I really appreciate the narrated overview.
Awesome, Norm! I love how deceptively simple your layout it- it's a great example of how varied scenery and buildings can draw the eye away a pretty straightforward track plan. I hope this doesn't come across as a backhanded compliment, it's definitely not my intent. Your work looks fantastic!
This is a great layout. It’s beautiful! I think folks would want to see more of the layout from any perspective - the construction, weathering, detailing, etc.
That's what I had when I was a kid. The 3 rail. Since I grew up with it, it never occurred to me that there should be anything wrong with 3 rail. The center rail carries the power. It's very practical. I like the bigger trains that run on them. I always thought that HO was too small. It just never excited me. My neighbor had it. I think I had one of the same steam locomotives as you have. It looks like you painted the roof on yours. I had smoke liquid & pellets to make it smoke as it went around the track. I always thought that was one of the coolest parts. It added some realism. I had the milkman car and a gantry crane with an electromagnetic pickup capability. I had wooden barrels in a car with thumb tacks on the end, so I could pick them up with the crane. Fun times, for sure. That's a very cool setup you have. 👍
Sir, I really enjoyed looking at your Railroad video. It really does look real-life and authentic. I like the detailing on the steamers, and also the old diesels. You should be very proud of your work. When I was watching, I could just imagine myself sitting on bench, legs crossed, sippin' a beer, and watchin' the freight roll by. Very, very nice Sir!
Hi, I have just discovered your channel here in the UK. The scenery is a very high standard and the weathering superb. A fantastic layout! A very inspirational video, thanks for sharing. Regards, John.
Before I saw your video, the idea of modeling in 3-rail was not something i was planning. I do wish the hobby could have grown up with 2-rail and I know there is 2- rail O scale out there...BUT...After looking at your layout, the 3rd rail disappeared into the overall effect. I did not think this level of realism was possible with 3-rail. I feel like I have been liberated from endless planning and fretting about something on my HO layout(absolutely nothing wrong with HO or any scale). I have become hooked on 3-rail with its size, weight, sounds, scenery and opportunities to squint(eyes) less. My 3-rail trains have come out of their box and are being integrated into my new layout. Thank you for posting and sharing. You are an artist and craftsman!
Norm- Yours is the most realistic layout I can recall. It is phenomenal. As someone else posted, whenever you have time, and whatever you'd like to share, is most appreciated.
Norm, you are by far me and Caleb’s favorite model railroader on UA-cam! We always enjoy your videos and love how you share your knowledge with all of us. Thanks for everything. Happy Railroading! 🚂🚃🚋
So glad to see your videos coming back! I have missed them. I would love to see all of your train/locomotive storage for items not on the layout and some masterclasses in weathering to get that great transition steam/diesel era look. Weathering items can quickly go into the apocalyptic era of the late 60's/70's so easy but all of your items (locos, rolling stock, buildings, etc. are just gorgeous)
this is BRILLIANT modeling... simple and humbling... the kind of prototype modeling of real scenes i saw at the end of steam on the eastern seaboard i grew up with... also love the weathering... engines and buildings... history in a model time capsule.. REALLY WELL DONE... VERY NICE. THANK YOU. arthur (Ngai)
Honestly if I didn’t know any better I’d think it was a real rail system lol. Love the detail and attention to the layout. Also love the worn look of the engines.
I have to say. You have one of the most realistic looking layouts I’ve ever seen. I’m more of a train runner then a model railroader and my layout shows it.Thanks for sharing.
Norm - Would love video on conceptualization and construction of backdrops. Would really, really love video on approach to weathering especially non-train elements, buildings, etc.
Your layout is unrivaled in my eyes! Better than anything I have seen so far, it captures the spirit of railroading in the grand times of railroads! I know the purists will cry out loud at the 3-rail track and pizza cutter flanges, but I don´t care. It´s the atmosphere of the layout which counts!
Really nice work, ditto the comment below, adding buildings, detail and SCALE SPEED are super. 3 rail is noticeable however as you said the blend is the overall and different approach. RR
Norm, you have an amazing layout!!! I must tell you that I have truly enjoyed watching your trains run on that amazing layout. Hopefully some day I'll be able to get started with one of my own. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Excellent layout!!! I was born in 1947. I remember the transition from steam to diesel. I'm from Detroit's southeast area near the Detroit River!!! A lot of cool industrial sites to model.
The lighting, backdrop and weathering on your layout is second to none. The 3 rail is not a distraction at all, at least to me. Outstanding work!
I think 90% of the people that don't like 3 rail O scale is not so much the third-rail, it has more to do with everybody that builds them seem to make more toy like. Like post-war Lionel which was fine but not a highly detailed scale layout. Your layout is phenomenal. The detail and realism and scale of it is just fantastic.
Making the Lionel layout of the 1950’s into every boys future dreams!
This is a masterpiece🚂
Man hole covers in the street , broken and chipped curb and gutter. Just fantastic detail
WOW...WHAT AN OUTSTANDING LAYOUT....THAT IS WHAT I CALL A DREAM ROOM...IT LOOKS SO RELAXING....
Wow!
Awesome layout 🚂🚃🚃🚃👍
A “Master Master’s Layout”.
The word “Outstanding” does not do justice to your excellent layout.
I really, really appreciate this particular video. Incredible detail and lighting. Your buildings are as lifelike as it gets. The weathering is at an artistic level. Wow - the 3-D was awesome.
Thanks so much with sharing. Your layout is not surpassed by any and maybe at best only a couple that come close to equaling it in my opinion. Guess you can tell that I and your subscribers eagerly await you uploads. This one is especially solid.
I'm ashamed to show him what I have, but I did anyway. :-)
@@1940limited I am sure what you accomplished would place me below your self imposed standards. I bet you layout looks good too.
@@solutions2exist556 Thanks.
Absolute marvel! The textures, colors and composition of things is way better than reality and it’s rich with purposeful details and super elevated craftsmanship. Please do a video on power and command and for sure show some “under construction” pics. Just amazing!
When I watch your trains run it looks like you have a huge layout like a warehouse! Terrific!
Yeah, I've seen 3-rail scale model railroads look not-so-great. Yet the work and skill you've put into yours make the 3rd rail just a moot point. It really catches the eye away from that fact and puts it on the scenery and the trains and it's done beautifully! I wish I had the time and the talent to make my HO Scale look near as good. Great stuff all around, Norm! I'm an Over-The-Road Truck Driver, out for a week at a time, time can be a scarce commodity.
My (uneducated) opinion is that most O-gauge layouts I see look like toys. This is one of the first that I've seen that looks legitimately realistic. Well done.
Norm - anything you’re willing to share we are all ready to hear. I’d love to hear how you’ve done your buildings.
You have a beautiful layout, thanks for sharing.. The detail is fantastic..
Your creative and artistic skills are simply unmatched in this hobby. Fantastic job you’ve done with your layout.
You are an inspiration to us all........
A construction video would be great!
Working on an early construction pictorial from 2013-2014. Found almost 2000 pics and vids from my old phones and iPad!
Awesome layout. I am amazed how realistic it all looks. 1955, I was 5 years old. I barely remember seeing the old steam engines coming through town.
Norm, a few comments. First, when I was born Harry Truman was president and I lived in a Class 1 eastern RR division point town. Growing up in the 50's, I can attest that your attempt at simulating that sort of town at that time is literally spot on, from the industries to the bars and houses of ill-repute! Second, it occurs to me that a hirail layout as superbly executing as yours actually has an advantage over the typical 2-rail layout. Signaling and basic wiring would be easier, but the ability to take advantage of hirail's tighter curves makes a class one railroad a real possibility in a typical basement rather than in a warehouse.
Thanks a lot David, glad you liked my efforts!
This is the most realistic layout I have seen yet. This is crazy good.
I've had an interest in lighting stuff for most of my adult life. I've mostly vented this in the theater, shining light on those places that a director thought most appropriate. I just wanted to give you massive props to your lighting setup. It really makes the layout shine, and shows the level of detail and care you put into your railroad. Well done 😎
I originally lit the layout with 50W PAR20 halogens and some 3000K CFLs in the valance before switching over to LEDs. I even started with 3100K LED PAR20s before finally making the switch to 5000K, even in the valance. I should probably do a vid on lighting someday.
It's always neat to see the behind the scene, so to speak, layout in it's entirety against the viewing angles shown on video. You are a master in this scale making realism out of the hobby. Thanks for sharing it.
I've been waiting for this video. Thanks for posting 👍
Super!
Beautiful!
Really nice, thanks for sharing and looking forward to more.
Weathering! Outstanding! I said wow out loud!
Thanks a lot, glad you liked my layout efforts!
Those steamers are exquisite. The layout is excellent. Your landscape is spot on. Nice work.
WoW!!! Great work!!!
Your layout is so impressive I don't really notice the three rail track. Which makes it even more impressive!
Excellent! 👏😊
It's pretty amazing that those b rolls look so real. I'm new to this whole model railroad thing and it just looks so beautiful and art-like.
I had one person in railroad modelling community state the PRR was the evil empire. I love the pennsy and your empire is awesome.
Thanks for posting. Outstanding layout. That era in railroading is my favorite also, only I lived through it. I enjoyed watching your rolling stock in action.
Wow! The weathering of the whole layout is a superb and really nice balance of detail without using up every inch of space. Thank you for sharing.
Norm, this is exactly what I have been waiting to see and you delivered. As you stated more videos geared towards your layout would be great. Construction of the background buildings, roads, retaining walls, etc. would be most appreciated. Your work continues to inspire us 3-railer scalers. Thanks for the video.
I don't have words. Thanks for sharing.
gorgeous. been a fan since your Lionel DVD. Love you
Very nice Norm, a scenery video
would be awesome to see, you have
done an excellent job on your rock
work and scenery!!!
An excellent video. Hello from the Tracy Mountain Railway in Colorado. 💙 T.E.N.
Great video and wonderful layout. Can’t wait for more!
A really beautiful layout, thanks for sharing. I've subscribed
Norm, easily the best execution of an oval layout. I really like that you have an 'hidden' access isle down the middle which I'm sure helps with working on your awesome scenery. Weathered trains + track + scenery creates a very realistic model railroad. Extremely well done and I really appreciate the narrated overview.
Beautiful layout Norm! One of a kind.
Awesome, Norm! I love how deceptively simple your layout it- it's a great example of how varied scenery and buildings can draw the eye away a pretty straightforward track plan. I hope this doesn't come across as a backhanded compliment, it's definitely not my intent. Your work looks fantastic!
loved to see some switching operations!
This is a great layout. It’s beautiful! I think folks would want to see more of the layout from any perspective - the construction, weathering, detailing, etc.
Damn your layout is just a masterpiece. You have talent with your passion.
Truly a masterpiece Norm! My favorite layout on UA-cam 100%❗️
I would love to see the early construction and more information on the power used. Your the man Norm!
That's what I had when I was a kid. The 3 rail. Since I grew up with it, it never occurred to me that there should be anything wrong with 3 rail. The center rail carries the power. It's very practical. I like the bigger trains that run on them. I always thought that HO was too small. It just never excited me. My neighbor had it. I think I had one of the same steam locomotives as you have. It looks like you painted the roof on yours. I had smoke liquid & pellets to make it smoke as it went around the track. I always thought that was one of the coolest parts. It added some realism. I had the milkman car and a gantry crane with an electromagnetic pickup capability. I had wooden barrels in a car with thumb tacks on the end, so I could pick them up with the crane. Fun times, for sure. That's a very cool setup you have. 👍
Street building detail is great, job well done.
Very very realistic.... The Lionel TMCC and Legacy control configuration is much smoother than the DCC HO videos I've seen. Nice.
Sir, I really enjoyed looking at your Railroad video. It really does look real-life and authentic. I like the detailing on the steamers, and also the old diesels. You should be very proud of your work. When I was watching, I could just imagine myself sitting on bench, legs crossed, sippin' a beer, and watchin' the freight roll by. Very, very nice Sir!
This is definitely a 🍻 and 🚂 kinda layout! Thanks man!
What a beautiful layout.
What you did was you captured a time in history and your attention to detail is exquisite thanks for sharing
Hi, I have just discovered your channel here in the UK. The scenery is a very high standard and the weathering superb. A fantastic layout! A very inspirational video, thanks for sharing. Regards, John.
This looks great and I see three of my buildings. Chama oil house, pipe shop, and Sheridan mercantile.
Very nice work in all angels. Regards from spring Sweden 🇸🇪☀️
Love the detail in in all of it!!! 3 rail live with it!! Thanks,it is great....
Wow looks great. Fantastic scenery.
Before I saw your video, the idea of modeling in 3-rail was not something i was planning. I do wish the hobby could have grown up with 2-rail and I know there is 2- rail O scale out there...BUT...After looking at your layout, the 3rd rail disappeared into the overall effect. I did not think this level of realism was possible with 3-rail. I feel like I have been liberated from endless planning and fretting about something on my HO layout(absolutely nothing wrong with HO or any scale). I have become hooked on 3-rail with its size, weight, sounds, scenery and opportunities to squint(eyes) less. My 3-rail trains have come out of their box and are being integrated into my new layout. Thank you for posting and sharing. You are an artist and craftsman!
Norm- Yours is the most realistic layout I can recall. It is phenomenal. As someone else posted, whenever you have time, and whatever you'd like to share, is most appreciated.
Truly a work of art.
Norm, you are by far me and Caleb’s favorite model railroader on UA-cam! We always enjoy your videos and love how you share your knowledge with all of us. Thanks for everything. Happy Railroading! 🚂🚃🚋
Simply outstanding 👍
Wow, what a beautiful layout! Well done! 🚂
So glad to see your videos coming back! I have missed them. I would love to see all of your train/locomotive storage for items not on the layout and some masterclasses in weathering to get that great transition steam/diesel era look. Weathering items can quickly go into the apocalyptic era of the late 60's/70's so easy but all of your items (locos, rolling stock, buildings, etc. are just gorgeous)
this is BRILLIANT modeling... simple and humbling... the kind of prototype modeling of real scenes i saw at the end of steam on the eastern seaboard i grew up with... also love the weathering... engines and buildings... history in a model time capsule.. REALLY WELL DONE... VERY NICE. THANK YOU. arthur (Ngai)
Honestly if I didn’t know any better I’d think it was a real rail system lol. Love the detail and attention to the layout. Also love the worn look of the engines.
MY favoriteon UA-cam! Thank you, Norm!
Very nice layout and modeling. Thank you for sharing.
Great job on that era.I was a teenager when steam ended.
I have to say. You have one of the most realistic looking layouts I’ve ever seen. I’m more of a train runner then a model railroader and my layout shows it.Thanks for sharing.
Excellent modeling. Very realistic scenes. Keep up the good work. Nicely done.
thanks for posting, Norm. glad to see the overall context of the scenes. well done as always.
I'm so jealous. Great layout.
Norm - Would love video on conceptualization and construction of backdrops. Would really, really love video on approach to weathering especially non-train elements, buildings, etc.
Your layout is unrivaled in my eyes! Better than anything I have seen so far, it captures the spirit of railroading in the grand times of railroads! I know the purists will cry out loud at the 3-rail track and pizza cutter flanges, but I don´t care. It´s the atmosphere of the layout which counts!
A really nice layout and very well detailed. Yes, please post more about your layout.
Your time era is perfect, I totally agree. Thanks for sharing your info I'm a new subscriber and I do appreciate your videos.
Tworailer here but this was fantastic 👍👏👏
What a beautiful layout!
Great video! Awesome looking layout! Thanks for sharing! Have a great and awesome day!
A Masterpiece Norm,Well done!
Thank you for the overview Norm. I love your modeling.
Dude your layout is AMAZING! INCREDIBLE detail. Just wonderful!
Looking good! Thanks for uploading!
That scan at the end what amazing. Your entire layout is awesome.
Aw thanks ☺️
Really nice work, ditto the comment below, adding buildings, detail and SCALE SPEED are super. 3 rail is noticeable however as you said the blend is the overall and different approach. RR
Outstanding Model Railroad!!! Out of all the o scale model railroaders I fallow on UA-cam yours is my favorite. The level of detail is second to none.
Of all your videos, this is the most enjoyable, because it gives people inspiration from an outside perspective.
Work of art you have created.
Norm, you have an amazing layout!!! I must tell you that I have truly enjoyed watching your trains run on that amazing layout. Hopefully some day I'll be able to get started with one of my own. Thanks for sharing it with us!
you get started yet?
@@josephholtrop5535 Sorry to say, but naw! As my voice mail says; all work and no play makes me a dull boy! 😥
Like the new update.Lots going on.
Norm, Your layout has been the goal I'd like mine to reach someday. Doubt I will get close but something to shoot for. Always loved your work. Thanks
Great video Norm! Your work is an inspiration to all of us in the hobby.
Excellent layout!!! I was born in 1947. I remember the transition from steam to diesel. I'm from Detroit's southeast area near the Detroit River!!! A lot of cool industrial sites to model.
Masterclass build you have there! Nice work!
I agree with Randy; it's amazing how you make a medium-sized area seem so massive
beautiful layout. Thanks for sharing.