I'm having a real tough time in life right now, my Grandma just passed away and the funeral is in a week. These kinds of videos help me bond with my model railroading Grandpa, and it helps us both get better. Thank you for helping us get through this together! I like British Trains (my freelance design is the East-Western Railway), and he likes Chesapeake and Ohio
Ah ... I see my mistake ... I shouldn't have tried to fill the entire 800 sq ft floor area as a first effort ... I could just about fit the entire Omaha hump yard in N-scale ... best I start with a simple loop on a sheet of plywood ...
So refreshing to have someone who speaks fluently and calmly with pleasant background music. So many uploaders sound like manic "but wait, there's more" infomercials, selling themselves and their personalities rather than their hobby. Love the non-pushy "what makes you happy is what's right for you", approach. Subscribed, and I'll be back. Cheers from the antipodes; New Zealand.
Unrelated, I loooove New Zealand! I lived in Christchurch for a few months in 2009 on Cashel St. I got the chance to go to Queenstown and Wellington too.
Thank you. I watch hundreds of UA-cam clips and I think this might be my first subscription. I have two very young grandsons and two son in laws. In my home I have a bedroom for my grandsons which has stairs leading up to it rather than a door in one of the walls. I hope to have a track running around the whole room and space for stations and sidings. All way too advanced for me. For my track and rolling stock I am buying a huge amount of mostly unboxed items. It is all from one source. A friend of mine gathered it all together thirty years ago but sadly passed away. It is 0 gauge. Four hundred feet of straight track. So, going against your advice, I will plunge in! I’m seventy-four years old and hope that this long term project will be continued by by the two little boys whose several times great grand father was chairman of the Great Eastern Railway in the UK.
The best layout that worked for me was a 8x4 N scale. Lots of grass , cows , a barn and a silo a small country house. Couple of pick up trucks , a small pond and a bunch of trees. Super simple oval loop and inexpensive. I love N scale.
one of my favorite layout designs is using a double track going through a mountain with 2 tunnels, but, the tunnels are covered with industries that use the same rail cars. For example you can have a coal mine on one side that allows empty coal hoppers on one track and loaded rail hoppers on the other track and on the other side of the mountain you have an industry that uses coal again with one track for empty hoppers and the other with loaded hoppers. it creates the illusion of a coal mine producing coal and an industry using coal. bring the loco motive to the coal mine to pick up the loaded hoppers and deliver them to the coal run industry. when the locomotive pushes the loaded hoppers into the industry it looks like coal is being produced at the coal mine on the other side. Then the locomotive switches tracks and grabs the empty hoppers and delivers them to the coal mine again creating the illusion of the industry using the coal as empty coal hoppers emerge from the industry side as the empty hoppers are pushed through the coal mine to get loaded. the only down side of this is that the numbers on the empty hoppers and the loaded hoppers will not match if you're into trying to create some realism to the layout.
Good overview, Jimmy. Those huge basement empires are rarely built by one person. They usually have a host of friends who help all along the way. If building alone, one has to be realistic about how much railroad one person can build and maintain.
I have to agree with Ron Marsh (@Ron's Trains N Things) He hit the key factor to get the job done without boredom or burn out. Work with buddys. For those modelers with talent have a building party. Get into a RxR Club. Those guys will check out your ability, not to embarass you but to seek out more Model Gandy Dancers for their layouts. And they for ours.
@Currently getting Entertained I don't know that there is a single answer for that. You could do anything from 4 feet each direction to two entire walls of the room.
Hi Jimmy, First I have to agree with Ron Marsh (@Ron's Trains N Things) He hit the key factor to get the job done without boredom or burn out. Work with buddys. For those modelers with talent have a building party. Get into a RxR Club. Those guys will check out your ability, not to embarass you but to seek out more Model Gandy Dancers for their layouts. And they for ours. HOWEVER, there is one important thing for beginners to remember. Before you buy ask yourself why. Setup a monthly budget. (One reason I love your dollar store episodes.) Habitually Newbies buy Rail Stuff just to buy something. A drug of choice compulsion. Not for something new and useable on your layout. But to get your hands on the Hobby Store register receipt or on the thin plastic logoed bag. Over the past 50+ years I have bought so much stuff, on the cheap, from former RxR Modelers that they bought for their now defunct line, that saved me hundreds of my pennies on their lost dollars. One good thing for me was when I started rebuilding and expanding my layout, in 1963, my Dad, Mom, and Girlfriend wouldn't let me spend more than my allowance (date night) cash monthly. That includes the cost of Prom before a new 4-8-4 StreamLined Hudson NYC Loco. She enjoyed Prom. I'm still wondering how much that 7th NYC Loco would have looked great on my line. Model RxR Stuff must be part of your Entertainment Budget not your first fruits spending. Start a realistic budget. ~Jim
just re-watched this after watching the current video from yesterday. I just dismantled my layout benchwork because i realized that I had bitten off way more than I could chew. :0) I have an entire extra room to work with and tried to fill it with my dream layout.. Thanks for reminding its ok to start small.
I want to say thank you for sharing your video and talking about different types. I live in a 1 bedroom apartment, and I have a 6' folding table to set up my track.
Great video! I love that you covered keeping things manageable. We all want that massive layout, but space, budget, and frankly, skill constraints mean most of us should start with something a bit smaller. Personally, I started with an industrial shelf layout to hone my skills a bit before incorporating it into something larger. The smaller layout also means more detail, if one is so inclined.
Very good explanation, I’m doing a large expansion going from a 16 X 8 to 32 X 16, it includes 2 continuous passenger lines serving city and country, 1 continuous freight line and 5 point to point industrial lines! Also has 3 large staging yards. Your videos and info are very informative and help us “up our game” thanks for helping!
I’m currently emotionally separating from my job and the dream job it would have brought, and somehow I have found myself at model railroading for comfort. It sounds silly but here we are. I love the content. It makes railroading feel more simple and achievable. Im a conductor at the Disneyland railroad and all we are is a loop and a track switch. I want to build a slightly more complicated version of what I work, a few more switches or a figure 8. I ramble but thank you for the kind assistance and non demeaning help
This is awesome and the advice you gave I should've remembered that when I was building my first O gauge layout in a trailer over a decade ago. Thank you!
My layout is 6ft by 18 inches diesel engine shed only, But the sound of different diesels ticking over and shunting around is brilliant, Tone from over the pond thanks.
This was really good. I’ve been a model railroader for a long time and this is good advice. One other thing about those large layouts is that they are usually built by a group of modelers helping out the individual owner of the layout. They are rarely a one-person endeavor. Thanks for sharing.
Great video Jimmy. I’ve been a real world railfan for a while and only got into modelling last year. I agree with everything you said in this video. Knowing how real RR’s operate has been a huge help in designing my layout for both enjoyable switching ops and continuous running.
Next month I'm starting my new LEGO city layout, and I just wanted to say that I've watched this video about 10 times in recent months for inspiration and as education. Thank you for it!
Very educational video jimmy. I found that kato for n scale makes the building process much easier. I did something like a double L continous loop, with part of the loop hidden. To give that point to point feel, but still be able to just turn trains on and sit back. But I must say I wouldn't be as far as I am if I didnt use kato, just an excellent product!
You are dead on right!!! Been a model railroader since I was 6, I'm 60 now, I've built N scale, HO scale, and have always loved 3 rail O , so I'm building a 120'X 42' building for my final build I will retire with in 3rail O. I plan on a ceiling HO railroad around the bar at the entry end of the building.
When My Layout was Built I didn’t use A Computer When My wife Started I was happy to Help her get Into Model Rail Roading And Not only that I am Proud to Take My Wife to as Many Train shows.we Will Never Stop Model Railroading.
I’m in the planning stage of putting together a wall mounted shelf in my game room. It’s 12’x16’. After watching this a better plan might be to sell my pool table and get after it! Lol
I wanted to do a 4x8 HO scale layout but when I bought some used Bachman Ez-track on eBay, I thought it said 18" curved track for the curved pieces, but it was actually 18 degree curved track. That is 33 1/2". That puts me on at least a 6x10 layout. On a positive note, I have plenty of room for inside track not once but twice. 22" and 18" and still run most locos and cars. I live in SW Louisiana. I am wanted to set up a Union Pacific layout to remind of watching the trains move through here in the 80s. TONS of industry and chemical plants. I have a handful of rolling stock that needs new trucks and couplers, some track and an MTH GP38-2 Union Pacific. I have been stuck on how I want the layout to go, trackwise.
Enjoyed this video tonight. Was just laying track on my layout. Going with a continuous running sort of a dog bone design. About 36 ft long with some sidings to some industries and a depot. That’s mainly what will make me happy. Like seeing trains run through the scenery. Great points brought up here.
For N scale, use a HO scale layout plan that way you limit the amount of track and have tons of space for buildings, bridges, water features and landscaping.
Model Railroading Rocks you get to see Talk And Get Results going to Trainshows or going to Trainshops and it is the Best way to Spend your money it puts a Smile to your face I wouldn’t trade it for Anything Else.
Good suggestions. I will be building a shortline in 8-1/2' X 9". I want to be able to get it fairly well finished in a reasonable time and have designed it to survive a move coming up in a few years. Much consideration has gone into not overdoing. Trackplan is an old school, somewhat convoluted point to point, sacrificing a continuous run for scenery and switching that suit me.
Thanks for the tips. I'm starting a temporary layout for my dining room table (I need to be able to store it away if I need the dining table). It is basically three loops. The outside loop will be for a passenger train. Both interior loops will be for a freight train as the two loops cross each other (Kato V9). I have a siding for two factories on the interior loop and a small yard on the outer loop. It's small but it will have continuous running either on the passenger line and the freight line or one train on all three loops thanks to an "X" cross over.
Hi jimmy love your videos I have been in the hobby for most of my life and have not taken it beyond the oval track design on a table. Now that we are renovating the basement I actually have a room for my model railroad have to decide what I want to do
Love it, this is one of the reasons I got a resin printer. I *quickly* justified the price of a printer when I was going to be in over the cost of it on signals alone. Not to mention track side boxes, telephone poles, etc.
Thanks for the ideas. I built my O Scale to loop around my office but now I wanna build a HO scale on 8ft long by 6ft wide and really could think beyond a crossing loop!
Considering my stepdad is finally going to build a rail set that he as talked about doing essentially for his whole adult life? This is a valuable resource. I am not entirely enthusiastic, but I get the appeal (I like ksp for basically the same reasons build a giant sprawling comsat network and run missions.) I'm just trying to do the legwork and planning so when time permits we are going to be able to go big.
One thing that strikes me is that those who model European prototypes are much more focused on running passenger trains, and modeling a station, or stations, depending on layout size.
Great ideas for beginners! I personally like continual running layouts like I did with my outside g scale trains so I can sit on the deck and everyone can enjoy them. I 'm in the process of building a on30 layout in the garage which is a simple up and over figure 8 with sidings. It's a great hobby that I can be creative with!
I have a room dedicated to my trains but I can't seem to think of a plan I like to use on it, right now I just run my trains on a small loop until I can figure out something usable.
I’m excited to start my first layout with my daughter (who absolutely loves trains luckily) in early 2022. I want to make my layout based off of the line that runs between my original hometown and the state capital. Abridged of course. I’ll also have to adapt it slightly to a U shape because of the room in our barn I’ll be using. I want to center the layout around the historic Route 66/Main Street train station in the town I live in, so I’m thinking I’ll start and end it at an industry building in the respective cities and then include a small loop beyond that at either end. Probably pretty ambitious for a first attempt, but I’ll try and worst case I’ll switch to something simpler.
What I think would be cool is a section of mainline coming out of a tunnel at both ends and a hidden fiddle yard behind so different trains can just go by in both directions.
Very helpful, thank you. I ve quite a big HO collection (20 + engines) but before starting i need to do research and see how much space do i really need. I don t expect i ll be using more than 2-3 trains, the others will be used as reserve.
Thanks for the great video. Lots of fun concepts to build, improvise and expand upon. I’m currently building my first N scale layout. It’s currently DC but eventually, I’d like to end up with a wireless DCC layout that will be controlled via my iPad + app. It will include speed controlled signals and motion controlled crossing gates. Ambitious, I know. But due to our current situation, I suddenly have more free time than I had planned on.
I’m happy with my current track plan which includes a continuous loop, a passing siding so I can have 2 trains on my layout, a small yard, engine facility area with a shed and eventually a water tower/coal loader and an industrial center with separated by a #6 turnout. On the left theirs a coal depot and the right a warehouse which is meant for reefers or boxcars with a universal industry behind it to drop off cars with no industry. I’m thinking of adding a staging area just off the so I can add more trains.
Yeee haw, I've been looking for an idea to run along one or two walls . The point to point would be perfect. I have 6.5 metres to use . Thinking crash protection at ends and auto direction change so can run continuously and in HO / OO . Along side would allow plenty of room for kids that walk around with eyes shut.
Thanks for this really nice track planning video, Jimmy. You've offered some really great advice in it. As you've suggested, you don't really need to have a massive basement empire to have tons of fun with your layout. ...Roy
I liked the info. Im just starting out on a N scale. Iv decided, all by myself, to have the best of both worlds. When it comes to ops, and continuous running. All on a 4x8 plywood top, I have a loop, with a passing line, going around the outer edge of the top. Allowing some room on the edges for scenery. The passing line is on the inside of the loop, with a crossover that has two sets of industry PtP. Or, with the layout, it can also go LtP. Im quite happy with the layout. Now I just have to glue it down, wire, and scenery. :D
Great content. My space is limited to 2.5 ft x 12 ft. I'm going double main lines with 2-3 industries at each end and also a back and forth passenger track separate from the other lines using an auto reverse system.
I have wondered about modifying the locomotives to "show" differently as they pass in one direction then another. That is, heavy weathering on the left side, then grimier, miscolored doors on the long hood and different loco numbers. If the track is at or near eye height, I think the illusion of multiple trains might be pulled off. All that would be seen is the nose/tail as it approaches and the side as it goes by.
These large layouts usually have a club behind them as too expoensive for one person.....simple shunting scenes can be wonderful....like your simple explanation and sensible approach....
I am a point to point modeler. My current layout is interurban switching layout. My next layout is going to be an underground subway system and again point to point.
Just discovered your channel. Really appreciate all the advice you're offering! I'll be getting back to model railroading for the first time since childhood, as part of a museum I'm building that will have a recreation of a NYC subway in one room. I'm thrilled to discover there are detailed subway trains available from MTH Railking. First step was just to purchase the two trains I want to be able to use. Next (probably in January) will be to think about layout design. I don't own the building yet where my museum will be. But I expect to buy it in January or February. Then the fun will begin! Merry Christmas!
If they want to market it towards kids again, they could use it to encourage imagination rather than limiting their imagination by choosing a time and place allowing for no limitation to buildings, rolling stock, locomotives, or layout. By choosing a time and place, it makes more sense to market it towards collectors rather than kids although since they are after all toys, it would make more sense to encourage imagination than to focus on limiting imagination by choosing a time and place
My challenge is space and what I can use for a table setup.... Basically 2 folding tables for now (Cannot build a table in a 3rd floor apt), can go 144x34 inches. Trying to NOT just do a yard BUT get a loop or such...
After inheriting a layout and trying to understand how to operate train on it i had to look up operations. That lead me to learning about layouts which brought me here. One thing i could use from your tutorial is direction arrows on your middle of video layout of how train come and go. I guess the engines can go forward and reverse with the controller but how or do engines ever get turned around without a turntable as mentioned for the older days steam engines?
Moving my living room around I had to take my 8.5 X 8.5 layout down right now the jigsaw puzzle gets worked on daily a little variation of the usual 8X8X8 many modelers have
This short I've been collect over 45 years now. Every layout varies in size and shape but simple single level basics my largest layout was an L shape 12l-8 W. If had the room now I could easily fill a 16-16 or 20-20 set up If anyone would like me to post the current setup let me know Single track oval about the perimeter. Six turnouts 3l 3r making 18-24 combo switching layout each side. The middle has the city industry outer city by tracks 14-16 double end ed yards 8 stub end tracks ... I have not wired any electrical through the plywood base as unfortunately I've had to move six times in ten yr span henceforth just manual switches and holds if filled both sides 60-80+ cars engine
Your last point is me to a 'T'. I'm going to build a 4 track n gauge loop based on Southern UK system, IE 2 main and 2 relief tracks covering an area 12 feet by 8 feet for the railfanning side, but I'm also going to have a branch line running from the station to a hidden siding for the point to point. I mainly want to watch various trains run round, both passenger and freight with the fun in doing the scenery and weathering the rolling stock.
This is a very good instruction on starting up. So as far as I can see an oval to start is not a great idea. After watching many start up suggestion vids starting with a switching yard might be a better idea. Adding a loop or two to a switching yard or series of switching yards and customer drop off spurs can be an easy and inexpensive addition taking up less space than an oval.
Jimmy all good points Just getting back in from ground zero. Used to have Lionel back in the 60's but don't have space for that. I'm thinking N gauge as more stuff in smaller space. Moved to Maui from Midwest and only trains here are airport shuttle and what is left of the narrow gauge Sugar Train. Never had a passenger train back then but would like to incorporate one now. Used to ride IC electric as a kid and North Western Harvard to Chicago for over a year. Looking to incorporate all I experienced in final layout but planning on building in a modular way. Lived about 1/2 mile from US Steel South Works by Lake Michigan.
one of my issues is how much money i want to spend and how much work im willing to do. my planning stage is taking a while. i have my plan drawn but am not sure how much track it will take. i do have measurements but only of the layout perimeter, not the actual track. also since im new to this hobby, the building will be a learning process and i want to make the fewest errors possible. one issue is scale and another is what type of train, be it freight or passenger, etc. also the building of the support table or shelf. ill have a 4 x 5 corner table (10" above the floor) connected to one narrower shelf (about a foot wide) leading down to the floor (about a 15-20 foot distance), underneath the bottom step of a staircase then up onto a low shelf underneath a tv (ill need to build, or buy, a tv stand). each end will have a loop for continuous running. no switches so ill need double track for about 20 feet. there is a curve in the middle of my 20 ft section so about 18 feet is straight track then my loops are all curved. my design is a bit complicated so im taking the planning slow. the part under the stairs and on the tv stand will be the hardest to figure out but i have a general idea. i just need track and a train to help figure it out.
Lately, the schematic I've settled on (I haven't built that layout yet) is a big loop around the perimeter of the room with two wyes at each and of the loop at each end of the room. These two wyes serve two terminal stations on two peninsulas inside the room jutting out from each end. This will let me run trains around the loop for continuous running. It is prototypical for railroads to connect two ends with a main line and a branch line. So I can treat the two stations as ends of a point-to-point and the loop as two separate lines connecting the ends -- one the main passenger line and the other the freight line. I want to add industries along the freight line and an intermodal port. I also want to add some interesting unusual features, like a house on my HO layout with a T-scale train running around the house representing someone's garden railway.
Excellent video! Great layout! Question - how do the trains get from the lower level to the upper level?..sorry of the question if you’ve answered this question before. Thanks.
You are the Bob Ross of model train TV. Thank you for doing this, all the best!
That may be the best compliment I have received! Thank you!
🙂🤣Happy Little Trains 🚂
Hahahah soooo true
Grow a fro
I'm having a real tough time in life right now, my Grandma just passed away and the funeral is in a week. These kinds of videos help me bond with my model railroading Grandpa, and it helps us both get better. Thank you for helping us get through this together!
I like British Trains (my freelance design is the East-Western Railway), and he likes Chesapeake and Ohio
My condolences, know that myself the community is thinking of you in this time.
I hope you and your Grandpa are doing better.
Oo your Grandpa has good taste. An underrated railroad with a lot of cool locos and lines
Youre videos are a life saver as I dive DEEP into this hyperfixation
Ah ... I see my mistake ... I shouldn't have tried to fill the entire 800 sq ft floor area as a first effort ... I could just about fit the entire Omaha hump yard in N-scale ... best I start with a simple loop on a sheet of plywood ...
Ikr 😂 i dove right in with a n scale 12ft by 3ft layout build, and well i think we know how that went 😂
So refreshing to have someone who speaks fluently and calmly with pleasant background music. So many uploaders sound like manic "but wait, there's more" infomercials, selling themselves and their personalities rather than their hobby. Love the non-pushy "what makes you happy is what's right for you", approach. Subscribed, and I'll be back. Cheers from the antipodes; New Zealand.
Unrelated, I loooove New Zealand! I lived in Christchurch for a few months in 2009 on Cashel St. I got the chance to go to Queenstown and Wellington too.
Thank you. I watch hundreds of UA-cam clips and I think this might be my first subscription. I have two very young grandsons and two son in laws. In my home I have a bedroom for my grandsons which has stairs leading up to it rather than a door in one of the walls. I hope to have a track running around the whole room and space for stations and sidings. All way too advanced for me. For my track and rolling stock I am buying a huge amount of mostly unboxed items. It is all from one source. A friend of mine gathered it all together thirty years ago but sadly passed away. It is 0 gauge. Four hundred feet of straight track. So, going against your advice, I will plunge in! I’m seventy-four years old and hope that this long term project will be continued by by the two little boys whose several times great grand father was chairman of the Great Eastern Railway in the UK.
The best layout that worked for me was a 8x4 N scale. Lots of grass , cows , a barn and a silo a small country house. Couple of pick up trucks , a small pond and a bunch of trees. Super simple oval loop and inexpensive. I love N scale.
Wow I love those track diagrams.
one of my favorite layout designs is using a double track going through a mountain with 2 tunnels, but, the tunnels are covered with industries that use the same rail cars. For example you can have a coal mine on one side that allows empty coal hoppers on one track and loaded rail hoppers on the other track and on the other side of the mountain you have an industry that uses coal again with one track for empty hoppers and the other with loaded hoppers. it creates the illusion of a coal mine producing coal and an industry using coal. bring the loco motive to the coal mine to pick up the loaded hoppers and deliver them to the coal run industry. when the locomotive pushes the loaded hoppers into the industry it looks like coal is being produced at the coal mine on the other side. Then the locomotive switches tracks and grabs the empty hoppers and delivers them to the coal mine again creating the illusion of the industry using the coal as empty coal hoppers emerge from the industry side as the empty hoppers are pushed through the coal mine to get loaded. the only down side of this is that the numbers on the empty hoppers and the loaded hoppers will not match if you're into trying to create some realism to the layout.
This is such a neat idea! I like it a lot. I may have to try it someday
Good overview, Jimmy. Those huge basement empires are rarely built by one person. They usually have a host of friends who help all along the way. If building alone, one has to be realistic about how much railroad one person can build and maintain.
I have to agree with Ron Marsh (@Ron's Trains N Things) He hit the key factor to get the job done without boredom or burn out. Work with buddys. For those modelers with talent have a building party. Get into a RxR Club. Those guys will check out your ability, not to embarass you but to seek out more Model Gandy Dancers for their layouts. And they for ours.
@Currently getting Entertained I don't understand the queation.
@Currently getting Entertained I don't know that there is a single answer for that. You could do anything from 4 feet each direction to two entire walls of the room.
@Thomas Yeats Yeah, that's what I figure. At any rate, I'm done here.
If it isn't fun I can't think of why you'd do it! So yes, make it fun for you.
Hi Jimmy,
First I have to agree with Ron Marsh (@Ron's Trains N Things) He hit the key factor to get the job done without boredom or burn out. Work with buddys. For those modelers with talent have a building party. Get into a RxR Club. Those guys will check out your ability, not to embarass you but to seek out more Model Gandy Dancers for their layouts. And they for ours.
HOWEVER, there is one important thing for beginners to remember. Before you buy ask yourself why.
Setup a monthly budget. (One reason I love your dollar store episodes.) Habitually Newbies buy Rail Stuff just to buy something. A drug of choice compulsion. Not for something new and useable on your layout. But to get your hands on the Hobby Store register receipt or on the thin plastic logoed bag.
Over the past 50+ years I have bought so much stuff, on the cheap, from former RxR Modelers that they bought for their now defunct line, that saved me hundreds of my pennies on their lost dollars.
One good thing for me was when I started rebuilding and expanding my layout, in 1963, my Dad, Mom, and Girlfriend wouldn't let me spend more than my allowance (date night) cash monthly. That includes the cost of Prom before a new 4-8-4 StreamLined Hudson NYC Loco. She enjoyed Prom. I'm still wondering how much that 7th NYC Loco would have looked great on my line.
Model RxR Stuff must be part of your Entertainment Budget not your first fruits spending. Start a realistic budget.
~Jim
just re-watched this after watching the current video from yesterday. I just dismantled my layout benchwork because i realized that I had bitten off way more than I could chew. :0) I have an entire extra room to work with and tried to fill it with my dream layout.. Thanks for reminding its ok to start small.
I want to say thank you for sharing your video and talking about different types. I live in a 1 bedroom apartment, and I have a 6' folding table to set up my track.
Great video! I love that you covered keeping things manageable. We all want that massive layout, but space, budget, and frankly, skill constraints mean most of us should start with something a bit smaller. Personally, I started with an industrial shelf layout to hone my skills a bit before incorporating it into something larger. The smaller layout also means more detail, if one is so inclined.
Very good explanation, I’m doing a large expansion going from a 16 X 8 to 32 X 16, it includes 2 continuous passenger lines serving city and country, 1 continuous freight line and 5 point to point industrial lines! Also has 3 large staging yards. Your videos and info are very informative and help us “up our game” thanks for helping!
I’m currently emotionally separating from my job and the dream job it would have brought, and somehow I have found myself at model railroading for comfort. It sounds silly but here we are. I love the content. It makes railroading feel more simple and achievable. Im a conductor at the Disneyland railroad and all we are is a loop and a track switch. I want to build a slightly more complicated version of what I work, a few more switches or a figure 8. I ramble but thank you for the kind assistance and non demeaning help
This is awesome and the advice you gave I should've remembered that when I was building my first O gauge layout in a trailer over a decade ago. Thank you!
My layout is 6ft by 18 inches diesel engine shed only, But the sound of different diesels ticking over and shunting around is brilliant, Tone from over the pond thanks.
This was really good. I’ve been a model railroader for a long time and this is good advice. One other thing about those large layouts is that they are usually built by a group of modelers helping out the individual owner of the layout. They are rarely a one-person endeavor. Thanks for sharing.
Great video Jimmy. I’ve been a real world railfan for a while and only got into modelling last year. I agree with everything you said in this video. Knowing how real RR’s operate has been a huge help in designing my layout for both enjoyable switching ops and continuous running.
Next month I'm starting my new LEGO city layout, and I just wanted to say that I've watched this video about 10 times in recent months for inspiration and as education. Thank you for it!
I need continues running I like the idea of turning the train on and letting it run through the scenery and towns whatever you come up with.
Don't forget access. Have all track within reach where you don't have to crawl around the layout to get to it.
Thank you, Jim for helping out with my railroad.
Nice little film
Thanks for posting
A newbie
good idea Jimmy, I was thinking about building the prairie dog central I’m going to model it but it’s extended version of it
Thorough explanation, and I loved your message "Make it fun for you".
I like that last example a lot!!!
I like the Dog Bone layout. I been looking for a new hobby. Thank you for helping me find a layout.
Very educational video jimmy. I found that kato for n scale makes the building process much easier. I did something like a double L continous loop, with part of the loop hidden. To give that point to point feel, but still be able to just turn trains on and sit back. But I must say I wouldn't be as far as I am if I didnt use kato, just an excellent product!
You are dead on right!!! Been a model railroader since I was 6, I'm 60 now, I've built N scale, HO scale, and have always loved 3 rail O , so I'm building a 120'X 42' building for my final build I will retire with in 3rail O.
I plan on a ceiling HO railroad around the bar at the entry end of the building.
Excellent info! I just started a 4x4 foot N gauge after taking down my big layout, concentrating on just 2 mainlines and doing much more scenery.
I think the dog bone in maybe a L shape will work for me best. 👍
When My Layout was Built I didn’t use A Computer When My wife Started I was happy to Help her get Into Model Rail Roading And Not only that I am Proud to Take My Wife to as Many Train shows.we Will Never Stop Model Railroading.
I’m in the planning stage of putting together a wall mounted shelf in my game room. It’s 12’x16’. After watching this a better plan might be to sell my pool table and get after it! Lol
Very solid advice. There's always room to grow!
My layout is more about displaying my trains than running them. The fact that I can run them is just an added bonus.
Didn't even imagine some of these simple but awesome designs. You have made my day.
I wanted to do a 4x8 HO scale layout but when I bought some used Bachman Ez-track on eBay, I thought it said 18" curved track for the curved pieces, but it was actually 18 degree curved track. That is 33 1/2". That puts me on at least a 6x10 layout. On a positive note, I have plenty of room for inside track not once but twice. 22" and 18" and still run most locos and cars. I live in SW Louisiana. I am wanted to set up a Union Pacific layout to remind of watching the trains move through here in the 80s. TONS of industry and chemical plants. I have a handful of rolling stock that needs new trucks and couplers, some track and an MTH GP38-2 Union Pacific. I have been stuck on how I want the layout to go, trackwise.
Thank you for the help
Enjoyed this video tonight. Was just laying track on my layout. Going with a continuous running sort of a dog bone design. About 36 ft long with some sidings to some industries and a depot. That’s mainly what will make me happy. Like seeing trains run through the scenery. Great points brought up here.
For N scale, use a HO scale layout plan that way you limit the amount of track and have tons of space for buildings, bridges, water features and landscaping.
Also have the double loop. Good for giving a train some extra track to continuously run along and a little variety in elevation.
Model Railroading Rocks you get to see Talk And Get Results going to Trainshows or going to Trainshops and it is the Best way to Spend your money it puts a Smile to your face I wouldn’t trade it for Anything Else.
Thank you.
Good suggestions. I will be building a shortline in 8-1/2' X 9". I want to be able to get it fairly well finished in a reasonable time and have designed it to survive a move coming up in a few years. Much consideration has gone into not overdoing. Trackplan is an old school, somewhat convoluted point to point, sacrificing a continuous run for scenery and switching that suit me.
Great video there. To the point and it's helped me look at what size to build with respect to available basement size.
Thanks for the tips. I'm starting a temporary layout for my dining room table (I need to be able to store it away if I need the dining table). It is basically three loops. The outside loop will be for a passenger train. Both interior loops will be for a freight train as the two loops cross each other (Kato V9). I have a siding for two factories on the interior loop and a small yard on the outer loop. It's small but it will have continuous running either on the passenger line and the freight line or one train on all three loops thanks to an "X" cross over.
Hi jimmy love your videos I have been in the hobby for most of my life and have not taken it beyond the oval track design on a table. Now that we are renovating the basement I actually have a room for my model railroad have to decide what I want to do
Everyone thanks i love and enjoy everything other mod l railroaders do with great d signs and layouts thanks for sharing
Love it, this is one of the reasons I got a resin printer. I *quickly* justified the price of a printer when I was going to be in over the cost of it on signals alone. Not to mention track side boxes, telephone poles, etc.
I'm new. Lol love your coffee and trains. I'm hooked.
Thank you so much you are sooooo helpful
Thanks for the ideas. I built my O Scale to loop around my office but now I wanna build a HO scale on 8ft long by 6ft wide and really could think beyond a crossing loop!
Also remember this you can Work on it Anytime you want it Will always Be Fun.
Considering my stepdad is finally going to build a rail set that he as talked about doing essentially for his whole adult life?
This is a valuable resource. I am not entirely enthusiastic, but I get the appeal (I like ksp for basically the same reasons build a giant sprawling comsat network and run missions.)
I'm just trying to do the legwork and planning so when time permits we are going to be able to go big.
This was a really great explanation.
Good advice for newbie like me. THANKS SO MUCH.
One thing that strikes me is that those who model European prototypes are much more focused on running passenger trains, and modeling a station, or stations, depending on layout size.
Great ideas for beginners! I personally like continual running layouts like I did with my outside g scale trains so I can sit on the deck and everyone can enjoy them. I 'm in the process of building a on30 layout in the garage which is a simple up and over figure 8 with sidings. It's a great hobby that I can be creative with!
I have a room dedicated to my trains but I can't seem to think of a plan I like to use on it, right now I just run my trains on a small loop until I can figure out something usable.
I’m excited to start my first layout with my daughter (who absolutely loves trains luckily) in early 2022. I want to make my layout based off of the line that runs between my original hometown and the state capital. Abridged of course. I’ll also have to adapt it slightly to a U shape because of the room in our barn I’ll be using. I want to center the layout around the historic Route 66/Main Street train station in the town I live in, so I’m thinking I’ll start and end it at an industry building in the respective cities and then include a small loop beyond that at either end. Probably pretty ambitious for a first attempt, but I’ll try and worst case I’ll switch to something simpler.
What I think would be cool is a section of mainline coming out of a tunnel at both ends and a hidden fiddle yard behind so different trains can just go by in both directions.
Happy I found your Page going to try some of these Layouts in my Lego City ♥
Very helpful, thank you.
I ve quite a big HO collection (20 + engines) but before starting i need to do research and see how much space do i really need. I don t expect i ll be using more than 2-3 trains, the others will be used as reserve.
Thanks for the great video. Lots of fun concepts to build, improvise and expand upon. I’m currently building my first N scale layout. It’s currently DC but eventually, I’d like to end up with a wireless DCC layout that will be controlled via my iPad + app. It will include speed controlled signals and motion controlled crossing gates. Ambitious, I know. But due to our current situation, I suddenly have more free time than I had planned on.
After looking at the layouts again. I'm thinking about the L shape with the dog bone. That will be alot of fun.
I’m happy with my current track plan which includes a continuous loop, a passing siding so I can have 2 trains on my layout, a small yard, engine facility area with a shed and eventually a water tower/coal loader and an industrial center with separated by a #6 turnout. On the left theirs a coal depot and the right a warehouse which is meant for reefers or boxcars with a universal industry behind it to drop off cars with no industry. I’m thinking of adding a staging area just off the so I can add more trains.
I friggin love this
getting back into the hobby with grand valley,then i plan to expand it ( now i have more room)
Excellent insight
Yeee haw, I've been looking for an idea to run along one or two walls .
The point to point would be perfect. I have 6.5 metres to use . Thinking crash protection at ends and auto direction change so can run continuously and in HO / OO . Along side would allow plenty of room for kids that walk around with eyes shut.
Thanks for this really nice track planning video, Jimmy. You've offered some really great advice in it. As you've suggested, you don't really need to have a massive basement empire to have tons of fun with your layout. ...Roy
I liked the info. Im just starting out on a N scale. Iv decided, all by myself, to have the best of both worlds. When it comes to ops, and continuous running. All on a 4x8 plywood top, I have a loop, with a passing line, going around the outer edge of the top. Allowing some room on the edges for scenery. The passing line is on the inside of the loop, with a crossover that has two sets of industry PtP. Or, with the layout, it can also go LtP. Im quite happy with the layout. Now I just have to glue it down, wire, and scenery. :D
Great content. My space is limited to 2.5 ft x 12 ft. I'm going double main lines with 2-3 industries at each end and also a back and forth passenger track separate from the other lines using an auto reverse system.
I always liked narrow dogbone layouts. They look nice.
I'm planning on making a small narrow gauge point to point line with a switchback station :)
I have wondered about modifying the locomotives to "show" differently as they pass in one direction then another. That is, heavy weathering on the left side, then grimier, miscolored doors on the long hood and different loco numbers. If the track is at or near eye height, I think the illusion of multiple trains might be pulled off. All that would be seen is the nose/tail as it approaches and the side as it goes by.
These large layouts usually have a club behind them as too expoensive for one person.....simple shunting scenes can be wonderful....like your simple explanation and sensible approach....
I am a point to point modeler. My current layout is interurban switching layout. My next layout is going to be an underground subway system and again point to point.
Good video
i have a very simple o scale layout which i enjoy..i wish it was larger but have very little space to have a large layout. thank you .
Just discovered your channel. Really appreciate all the advice you're offering! I'll be getting back to model railroading for the first time since childhood, as part of a museum I'm building that will have a recreation of a NYC subway in one room. I'm thrilled to discover there are detailed subway trains available from MTH Railking. First step was just to purchase the two trains I want to be able to use. Next (probably in January) will be to think about layout design. I don't own the building yet where my museum will be. But I expect to buy it in January or February. Then the fun will begin! Merry Christmas!
Excellent.
If they want to market it towards kids again, they could use it to encourage imagination rather than limiting their imagination by choosing a time and place allowing for no limitation to buildings, rolling stock, locomotives, or layout. By choosing a time and place, it makes more sense to market it towards collectors rather than kids although since they are after all toys, it would make more sense to encourage imagination than to focus on limiting imagination by choosing a time and place
Very helpful. Thank you. Currently planning to expand/change my loop to be more operational. Good information to digest. Thanks!
My challenge is space and what I can use for a table setup.... Basically 2 folding tables for now (Cannot build a table in a 3rd floor apt), can go 144x34 inches. Trying to NOT just do a yard BUT get a loop or such...
After inheriting a layout and trying to understand how to operate train on it i had to look up operations. That lead me to learning about layouts which brought me here. One thing i could use from your tutorial is direction arrows on your middle of video layout of how train come and go. I guess the engines can go forward and reverse with the controller but how or do engines ever get turned around without a turntable as mentioned for the older days steam engines?
The layout at 2:47 in video, the most common and attractive for me to actually build.
This was very informative, an excellent video!
Moving my living room around I had to take my 8.5 X 8.5 layout down right now the jigsaw puzzle gets worked on daily a little variation of the usual 8X8X8 many modelers have
Part1 I used to use the standard atlass track for about 20 years I've switched over and use bachmann ez-track now
This short I've been collect over 45 years now. Every layout varies in size and shape but simple single level basics my largest layout was an L shape 12l-8 W. If had the room now I could easily fill a 16-16 or 20-20 set up
If anyone would like me to post the current setup let me know
Single track oval about the perimeter. Six turnouts 3l 3r making 18-24 combo switching layout each side. The middle has the city industry outer city by tracks 14-16 double end ed yards 8 stub end tracks ...
I have not wired any electrical through the plywood base as unfortunately I've had to move six times in ten yr span henceforth just manual switches and holds if filled both sides 60-80+ cars engine
Your last point is me to a 'T'. I'm going to build a 4 track n gauge loop based on Southern UK system, IE 2 main and 2 relief tracks covering an area 12 feet by 8 feet for the railfanning side, but I'm also going to have a branch line running from the station to a hidden siding for the point to point. I mainly want to watch various trains run round, both passenger and freight with the fun in doing the scenery and weathering the rolling stock.
This is a very good instruction on starting up. So as far as I can see an oval to start is not a great idea. After watching many start up suggestion vids starting with a switching yard might be a better idea. Adding a loop or two to a switching yard or series of switching yards and customer drop off spurs can be an easy and inexpensive addition taking up less space than an oval.
Jimmy all good points Just getting back in from ground zero. Used to have Lionel back in the 60's but don't have space for that. I'm thinking N gauge as more stuff in smaller space. Moved to Maui from Midwest and only trains here are airport shuttle and what is left of the narrow gauge Sugar Train. Never had a passenger train back then but would like to incorporate one now. Used to ride IC electric as a kid and North Western Harvard to Chicago for over a year.
Looking to incorporate all I experienced in final layout but planning on building in a modular way. Lived about 1/2 mile from US Steel South Works by Lake Michigan.
Well done, fantastic video!
thank you...excellent infor for biggner
one of my issues is how much money i want to spend and how much work im willing to do. my planning stage is taking a while. i have my plan drawn but am not sure how much track it will take. i do have measurements but only of the layout perimeter, not the actual track. also since im new to this hobby, the building will be a learning process and i want to make the fewest errors possible. one issue is scale and another is what type of train, be it freight or passenger, etc. also the building of the support table or shelf. ill have a 4 x 5 corner table (10" above the floor) connected to one narrower shelf (about a foot wide) leading down to the floor (about a 15-20 foot distance), underneath the bottom step of a staircase then up onto a low shelf underneath a tv (ill need to build, or buy, a tv stand). each end will have a loop for continuous running. no switches so ill need double track for about 20 feet. there is a curve in the middle of my 20 ft section so about 18 feet is straight track then my loops are all curved. my design is a bit complicated so im taking the planning slow. the part under the stairs and on the tv stand will be the hardest to figure out but i have a general idea. i just need track and a train to help figure it out.
Lately, the schematic I've settled on (I haven't built that layout yet) is a big loop around the perimeter of the room with two wyes at each and of the loop at each end of the room. These two wyes serve two terminal stations on two peninsulas inside the room jutting out from each end. This will let me run trains around the loop for continuous running. It is prototypical for railroads to connect two ends with a main line and a branch line. So I can treat the two stations as ends of a point-to-point and the loop as two separate lines connecting the ends -- one the main passenger line and the other the freight line. I want to add industries along the freight line and an intermodal port. I also want to add some interesting unusual features, like a house on my HO layout with a T-scale train running around the house representing someone's garden railway.
Brilliant
great video Jimmy, have you thought about talking about modular systems? such as the T-Trak
Happy New Year!!!
I have always wanted to try T-Trak and it is on my list of projects for the future!
Excellent video! Great layout! Question - how do the trains get from the lower level to the upper level?..sorry of the question if you’ve answered this question before. Thanks.