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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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)
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.
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.
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
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. 👍
You have captured what I am hoping to head in the direction of on my next layout, sadly I don't have the run area that you do, but will do the best with what I have. Your weathering, buildings and landscape are all excellent, I will browse through your videos, very interested in your ballast and background buildings.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 lidar is amazing, never seen that before. And, what an amazing world you have created. Yes, a beautiful scale and realistic model railroad in a very realistic landscape.
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!
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)
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!
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!
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! 🚂🚃🚋
That was awsome Norm.. as usual!👍🏻 I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say this.. any video you want to put out there would be greatly appreciated!!👍🏻😃 Thanks for sharing.. beautiful layout!
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.
Hi there Norm, I've been searching YT for O scale 2R switching clips and both this clip and Jason's latest upload appeared in the line up. I predominately model New Zealand Railways (NZR) 9mm:Foot scale (1:33.86) on a 50x20ft modular layout. As most of my 2-legged "helpers" are US HO modellers, at shows we alternate running between NZR 9mm and US O scale noting the prototype NZR track gauge is 3ft 6in which scales coincidently to 31.5mm. I've watched Jason's YT channel for a while now (both former and current layouts) and enjoy his approach to, and enthusiasm and passion for the hobby. I've just subscribed to your channel as while your approach is somewhat different to that of Jason's in terms of having a more prototypical feel and look, your enthusiasm and passion is similar and are factors I respect regardless of scale or prototype modelled. Thank you for sharing your take on the hobby with us.
Very interesting Norm. I would like to see more layout videos and video's featuring your industrial era structures. Keep posting these wonderful video's.
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.
Man hole covers in the street , broken and chipped curb and gutter. Just fantastic detail
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!
WOW...WHAT AN OUTSTANDING LAYOUT....THAT IS WHAT I CALL A DREAM ROOM...IT LOOKS SO RELAXING....
Making the Lionel layout of the 1950’s into every boys future dreams!
This is a masterpiece🚂
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.
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!
Weathering! Outstanding! I said wow out loud!
Thanks a lot, glad you liked my layout efforts!
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!
You have a beautiful layout, thanks for sharing.. The detail is fantastic..
When I watch your trains run it looks like you have a huge layout like a warehouse! Terrific!
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.
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.
Beautiful layout Norm! One of a kind.
Very nice work in all angels. Regards from spring Sweden 🇸🇪☀️
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.
What you did was you captured a time in history and your attention to detail is exquisite thanks for sharing
Your creative and artistic skills are simply unmatched in this hobby. Fantastic job you’ve done with your layout.
Those steamers are exquisite. The layout is excellent. Your landscape is spot on. Nice work.
Norm - anything you’re willing to share we are all ready to hear. I’d love to hear how you’ve done your buildings.
Your layout is so impressive I don't really notice the three rail track. Which makes it even more impressive!
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!
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.
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)
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.
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, 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!
I don't have words. Thanks for sharing.
An excellent video. Hello from the Tracy Mountain Railway in Colorado. 💙 T.E.N.
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
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. 👍
Very nice Norm, a scenery video
would be awesome to see, you have
done an excellent job on your rock
work and scenery!!!
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.
You have captured what I am hoping to head in the direction of on my next layout, sadly I don't have the run area that you do, but will do the best with what I have. Your weathering, buildings and landscape are all excellent, I will browse through your videos, very interested in your ballast and background buildings.
This is the most realistic layout I have seen yet. This is crazy good.
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.
Really nice, thanks for sharing and looking forward to more.
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.
I had one person in railroad modelling community state the PRR was the evil empire. I love the pennsy and your empire is awesome.
gorgeous. been a fan since your Lionel DVD. Love you
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.
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!
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.
Excellent modeling. Very realistic scenes. Keep up the good work. Nicely done.
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.
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.
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 would love to see the early construction and more information on the power used. Your the man Norm!
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.
A really nice layout and very well detailed. Yes, please post more about your layout.
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.
Wow looks great. Fantastic scenery.
Very very realistic.... The Lionel TMCC and Legacy control configuration is much smoother than the DCC HO videos I've seen. Nice.
Very nice layout and modeling. Thank you for sharing.
That lidar is amazing, never seen that before. And, what an amazing world you have created. Yes, a beautiful scale and realistic model railroad in a very realistic landscape.
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!
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)
Great video! Awesome looking layout! Thanks for sharing! Have a great and awesome day!
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!
Your time era is perfect, I totally agree. Thanks for sharing your info I'm a new subscriber and I do appreciate your videos.
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! 😥
Street building detail is great, job well done.
One of the best layouts I've ever seen in any scale
This looks great and I see three of my buildings. Chama oil house, pipe shop, and Sheridan mercantile.
Damn your layout is just a masterpiece. You have talent with your passion.
You are an inspiration to us all........
This a really cool layout, watching from New Zealand
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! 🚂🚃🚋
loved to see some switching operations!
Great video and wonderful layout. Can’t wait for more!
thanks for posting, Norm. glad to see the overall context of the scenes. well done as always.
Dude your layout is AMAZING! INCREDIBLE detail. Just wonderful!
Love the detail in in all of it!!! 3 rail live with it!! Thanks,it is great....
That was awsome Norm.. as usual!👍🏻 I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say this.. any video you want to put out there would be greatly appreciated!!👍🏻😃 Thanks for sharing.. beautiful layout!
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
Absolutely fantastic! Spot-on with your layout, production of your videos, and approach to modeling.
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.
Of all your videos, this is the most enjoyable, because it gives people inspiration from an outside perspective.
A really beautiful layout, thanks for sharing. I've subscribed
Great looking stuff Norm. I love how you capture the scenes. Thank you for sharing.
I've been waiting for this video. Thanks for posting 👍
Thumbs way up. Outstanding layout all around. And yes, would love to see some how-to's on structures and scenery. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome layout 🚂🚃🚃🚃👍
Hi there Norm, I've been searching YT for O scale 2R switching clips and both this clip and Jason's latest upload appeared in the line up. I predominately model New Zealand Railways (NZR) 9mm:Foot scale (1:33.86) on a 50x20ft modular layout. As most of my 2-legged "helpers" are US HO modellers, at shows we alternate running between NZR 9mm and US O scale noting the prototype NZR track gauge is 3ft 6in which scales coincidently to 31.5mm. I've watched Jason's YT channel for a while now (both former and current layouts) and enjoy his approach to, and enthusiasm and passion for the hobby. I've just subscribed to your channel as while your approach is somewhat different to that of Jason's in terms of having a more prototypical feel and look, your enthusiasm and passion is similar and are factors I respect regardless of scale or prototype modelled. Thank you for sharing your take on the hobby with us.
You are a master of realistic scenery. The detail is incredible.
Great video Norm! Your work is an inspiration to all of us in the hobby.
Wow, what a beautiful layout! Well done! 🚂
I agree with Randy; it's amazing how you make a medium-sized area seem so massive
Very interesting Norm. I would like to see more layout videos and video's featuring your industrial era structures. Keep posting these wonderful video's.
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.
Norm once again great video I would enjoy seeing more of the construction of your layout 😁
Excellent video as always! Would love to see the early construction vid and all others you mentioned. Everything you put out is fantastic!
Excellent layout & update • Cheers from the D&M Railway. 🚂
Thanks Gary!
That scan at the end what amazing. Your entire layout is awesome.
Aw thanks ☺️
Like your layout, even if it is 3-rail, weathering, small details make my day. i'm an HO guy but it's fantastic.
Thank you for the overview Norm. I love your modeling.
This is one of the coolest layouts I've seen and it's my favorite era too !
The trees & other background looks super.
Awesome video Norm! Would love to see more videos about the layout construction, the backdrop in particular!
Work of art you have created.