I'm one of the operators of Steve's excellent KCS layout whenever I am fortunate to get any one of the assignments except as dispatcher (I am mostly deaf but still wear hearing aids). I truly enjoy running on the KCS. It's both challenging and FUN!
Super job Steve. I knew you would enjoy seeing Steve and Carls handy work but had no idea of your filming and editing quality. Great watching and look forward to seeing you soon.
It is defiantly a super layout. I was privileged to operate there in 2016. I ran a thru train and did the Waldron dodger as well. I hope to operate there again. Going to Pittsburgh KS would be Kewl. My Grandmother was born and raised there.
I have watched all your OPP videos several times each but this the first time I ever saw what was behind the curve to the south of Heavener. Now it is going to get even bigger? Oh my...
ok so this is the layout that has been shown in some operations videos, quite a massive layout and very cool to see a full actual tour of it, plus hearing about an addon...
I was born and raised in Fort Smith. All of that is my old stomping grounds. I'm fixing to model the A&M from Fort Smith, to Rogers, AR. Model looks great!
I’d LOVE to see your A&M model! One of the most scenic and unique RR’s I’ve seen. Are you going to run the Alco’s or the more modern EMD’s they are running now? I didn’t do justice to Ft. Smith in my model. I did use actual buildings on the route but used a lot of “modeler’s license’ an omitted a LOT. The majority of the towns I modeled on the KCS 3rd sub are accurate track😊-by-track to the 1982 track charts (I’m modeling 1982.)
@@TTownTrainFan I’m still gathering stuff. I’ve got a bunch of Alcos and 4 of the EMDs. I think I’ve got the right amount of engines. Even have some old GPs for the Fort Smith Railroad. Going to paint them the correct colors. I’ve got A&M decals. I’m going to try and model, in HO scale, from downtown FS, thru downtown Van Buren. The rail yard in VB and Alcoa sand in VB. Then going to wind it up thru a bunch of hills, trestles, towns, the Winslow tunnel. Downtown Springdale, then into downtown Rogers. Going to try and hit up a bunch of industries along the way so there can be switching and all that fun stuff. Then have it circle back around and head back. I e got a large unfinished basement where I should have enough room to make it all. I’ve got most of the lumber as well. Next thing to find is time. Also going to hopefully automate it as well. DCC on everything. I guess the only I don’t have yet, is the electronics. I’m hoping in the next few years that stuff will get smaller and maybe more use of Bluetooth.
@@TTownTrainFan I forgot to say how awesome your layout is. I hope to have something as beautiful as what you’ve built. I love the way it’s all routes thru the room. That’s what I’ll have to do as well. Great work!
My favorite place to watch KCS was Gravette Ark. At the top of a hill. Head end was in run 8, the remotes, (DPUs today) were in full dynamic, either direction.
2/6/2023 Wow. this is a fantastic model railroad. I remember that some years ago there was a similarly constructed model of the Gulf Mobile and Ohio, which was also great. I can't remember where it was located, or if it is still around. This model is approaching the quality of the Colorado Model Railway Museum. A little mo0re detail and you will be there. '-)
I've been twice and think I see a few improvements to Fort Smith and a few other structures. I need to get back and see them in person, as well as the new addition. The pathing of everything seems quite clever.
Howzit : A MR Layout of note; what with design; detail and realistic OpS [ My favourite on completion of a Layout ]. This tour of a true-to-prototype Layout is much appreciated ! Regards / Johnny PS : As an aside .... As an OLD Midget + Sprint Car driver [ Dirt + Pavement ]; this is the FIRST first time I have heard Oval Track and MR-ing mentioned in the same breath ! Yes; the 2023 Chili Bowl wozza blast and good to see Tanner Holmes competing for the first time inna Midget ! Much congrats to Champ Logan Seavey !
FYI...the link to Steve's UA-cam page gives a 404 error. Beautiful layout and a section that's near to my heart. My dad used to work for KCS and KATY out of the Pittsburg, KS area in the 60s.
Very impressive. But in fact, the St Clair Lime spur was only a couple miles long. I used to swim under that bridge when I was a kid. Inaccessible now. KCS n. of Sallisaw crossed Sallisaw Creek three times. The third time, s. of Bunch Ok. was on a rare Wadell truss bridge. Gone now. I've found an excuse to model that.
Just discovered your channel.The carpentry, and all the finishes work on this massive layout are very well done. I am a carpenter myself. Of course it is good to have the location, time and money to do such an impressive layout, not for everyone. I follow a few very large layouts on UA-cam.
Another thing I noticed is the lack of KCS cars. That's what always scared me away from modeling the KCS. So much of their car fleet is unique that it's practically impossible to model accurately. They had a big connection at De Queen with the TOE, and their cars are hard to model accurately too.
Very nice what great layout 👌 love the idea of 86ing the heix!!!!! Don't like them. Two places I get to run have them, the third don't. I prefer long runs forgetting elevation great work again thanks for the video awesome
Amazing layout! Quick Q: What are those little "flags" or signs for that are put next to some tracks in the scenery? I didn´t see those in videos of other large layouts.
This is a fantastic layout. I am really interested in the speed matching table shown at 25:57. Can you provide more information about how it works or was built? Thanks
The KCS has no mainline grade steeper than 1.5%, which was by the edict of Arthur Stillwell, the man behind the building of the KCS. That was also why the KCS did not go into Ft. Smith from the north because the grades would have had to be greater than 1.5%. The original line into Ft. Smith was washed out by the Arkansas River and the KCS gained access by trackage rights over the SL-SF until the Frisco sold the line to the KCS. Since taking over a number of lines in Mexico by way of KCS de M, the Mexican lines have a number of long tunnels. The access to Mexico is by way of Laredo to Monterrey to Mexico City and ports on the Gulf of Mexico and on the Pacific. I did not notice any of the stainless steel cabooses the KCS had and used. I grew up a block away from the mainline in Shreveport going down to Mansfield and on south to Port Arthur.
It is several kits “kitbashed”: parts of Walthers’ “Glacier Gravel Company” plus “Medusa Cement” plus some separate conveyor kits and other things. Some of the structures and bridges are completely scratch built. The piles of limestone etc. are just carved foam with limestone colored ballast glued to them.
Truly one of the most excellent balanced layout I have seen. Jealous that you have so much space. 😊
Building a layout myself presently and I can appreciate how much time and work something of that magnitude takes. Many hands!
I'm one of the operators of Steve's excellent KCS layout whenever I am fortunate to get any one of the assignments except as dispatcher (I am mostly deaf but still wear hearing aids). I truly enjoy running on the KCS. It's both challenging and FUN!
Hi John, I live in Owasso, does Steve allow visitors?
@@datkinsify
I would think so but it's best if you go to his site and ask him.
I’ve operated this 3 times and going back in September to operate again it is a joy to operate love every minute of it
I’ve lived in Sallisaw for fifty years railfaning for forty years! This layout is amazing! Perfect in the model way! ❤
Glad you like it!
I watched every posting of the old layout, I will do the same for the new version. Steve you influence us all. Dave T
I fully expect that the extension of the layout will include an airport and that you will land real planes on it.😉
Super job Steve. I knew you would enjoy seeing Steve and Carls handy work but had no idea of your filming and editing quality. Great watching and look forward to seeing you soon.
Thanks Bob 👍
Yes thank you Steve! You introduced some new people to model railroading, and to my web site!
It is defiantly a super layout. I was privileged to operate there in 2016. I ran a thru train and did the Waldron dodger as well. I hope to operate there again. Going to Pittsburgh KS would be Kewl. My Grandmother was born and raised there.
This is a very fine layout with great detail. I would like to see updates on the new addition. The carpentry work looks great.
I have watched all your OPP videos several times each but this the first time I ever saw what was behind the curve to the south of Heavener. Now it is going to get even bigger? Oh my...
ok so this is the layout that has been shown in some operations videos, quite a massive layout and very cool to see a full actual tour of it, plus hearing about an addon...
I ran through there for 41 years. Amazing layout. Brought back some memories.
I was born and raised in Fort Smith. All of that is my old stomping grounds. I'm fixing to model the A&M from Fort Smith, to Rogers, AR. Model looks great!
I’d LOVE to see your A&M model! One of the most scenic and unique RR’s I’ve seen. Are you going to run the Alco’s or the more modern EMD’s they are running now?
I didn’t do justice to Ft. Smith in my model. I did use actual buildings on the route but used a lot of “modeler’s license’ an omitted a LOT. The majority of the towns I modeled on the KCS 3rd sub are accurate track😊-by-track to the 1982 track charts (I’m modeling 1982.)
@@TTownTrainFan I’m still gathering stuff. I’ve got a bunch of Alcos and 4 of the EMDs. I think I’ve got the right amount of engines. Even have some old GPs for the Fort Smith Railroad. Going to paint them the correct colors. I’ve got A&M decals. I’m going to try and model, in HO scale, from downtown FS, thru downtown Van Buren. The rail yard in VB and Alcoa sand in VB. Then going to wind it up thru a bunch of hills, trestles, towns, the Winslow tunnel. Downtown Springdale, then into downtown Rogers. Going to try and hit up a bunch of industries along the way so there can be switching and all that fun stuff. Then have it circle back around and head back. I e got a large unfinished basement where I should have enough room to make it all. I’ve got most of the lumber as well. Next thing to find is time. Also going to hopefully automate it as well. DCC on everything. I guess the only I don’t have yet, is the electronics. I’m hoping in the next few years that stuff will get smaller and maybe more use of Bluetooth.
@@TTownTrainFan I forgot to say how awesome your layout is. I hope to have something as beautiful as what you’ve built. I love the way it’s all routes thru the room. That’s what I’ll have to do as well. Great work!
Love the Salislaw Depot with the stairs down to street level. Amazing model railroad!
Thank you very much!
My favorite place to watch KCS was Gravette Ark. At the top of a hill. Head end was in run 8, the remotes, (DPUs today) were in full dynamic, either direction.
Thank you Mr. Bill Gates for sharing your model railroad video!
Any time!
2/6/2023
Wow. this is a fantastic model railroad. I remember that some years ago there was a similarly constructed model of the Gulf Mobile and Ohio, which was also great. I can't remember where it was located, or if it is still around. This model is approaching the quality of the Colorado Model Railway Museum. A little mo0re detail and you will be there. '-)
This is crazy awesome! Thank you for sharing Steve.
Glad you enjoyed it!
a dream of model railways! It must be fun to drive all the way there on a long train. greetings from Germany
This is awesome. Took trains in and out of Kansas City's Kanoke yard many times in 70s and 80s
Watched many videos of this layout, one of my favorites 😊
Yay, thank you!
Holy mackerel Steve it’s enormous! Brilliant project 👍🏻
Many thanks!
That’s some amazing engineering
I've been twice and think I see a few improvements to Fort Smith and a few other structures. I need to get back and see them in person, as well as the new addition. The pathing of everything seems quite clever.
Simply incredible
Time for a cab ride.
Here you go: ua-cam.com/video/DoJe5hs2kcA/v-deo.html
Now thats cool!!
Wow that is something else. looks great.
Good tour. You know, I think some of those cars in Salisaw are ones I delivered there at the previous session. Funny!
Oh cool!
My cousin lives in K.C. at one point he had a very nice KC southern layout. He wrote a couple of books about it to. Not the layout but the railroad.
I think I know your cousin. He DOES have a great layout!
I’m from Tulsa great job
👌🏼love and integrity in action ❤
awesome layout they did a great job.😊😊👍👍
Thanks a bunch!
Wow! Amazing detail. Fantastic layout!
Thank you very much!
Can you please do a Cab Ride through the layout please?
Howzit : A MR Layout of note; what with design; detail and realistic OpS [ My favourite on completion of a Layout ]. This tour of a true-to-prototype Layout is much appreciated ! Regards / Johnny PS : As an aside .... As an OLD Midget + Sprint Car driver [ Dirt + Pavement ]; this is the FIRST first time I have heard Oval Track and MR-ing mentioned in the same breath ! Yes; the 2023 Chili Bowl wozza blast and good to see Tanner Holmes competing for the first time inna Midget ! Much congrats to Champ Logan Seavey !
Not very often you hear the Chili Bowl mentioned in a model railroad video! Amazing layout!
Thank you very much!
FYI...the link to Steve's UA-cam page gives a 404 error.
Beautiful layout and a section that's near to my heart. My dad used to work for KCS and KATY out of the Pittsburg, KS area in the 60s.
Sorry about the link problems. Here is the “official” link: www.youtube.com/@TTownTrainFan
Thanks Steve, I also fixed it in the description.
@@ScaleModelKitReview Thank you!
Truly amazing!!
Very impressive. But in fact, the St Clair Lime spur was only a couple miles long. I used to swim under that bridge when I was a kid. Inaccessible now. KCS n. of Sallisaw crossed Sallisaw Creek three times. The third time, s. of Bunch Ok. was on a rare Wadell truss bridge. Gone now. I've found an excuse to model that.
Just discovered your channel.The carpentry, and all the finishes work on this massive layout are very well done. I am a carpenter myself. Of course it is good to have the location, time and money to do such an impressive layout, not for everyone. I follow a few very large layouts on UA-cam.
Thanks and welcome
Used To Rail Fan The KCS & The Union Pacific When I Lived In West Monroe Louisiana Y'all!!!
It is a fine layout! Certainly worth a visit. May I suggest you correct the errors in the subtitles.
Wow. That’s amazing
Yes it is.
Tulsa is my hometown !
Another thing I noticed is the lack of KCS cars. That's what always scared me away from modeling the KCS. So much of their car fleet is unique that it's practically impossible to model accurately. They had a big connection at De Queen with the TOE, and their cars are hard to model accurately too.
Thanks for the info, and thanks for watching.
Very nice what great layout 👌 love the idea of 86ing the heix!!!!! Don't like them. Two places I get to run have them, the third don't. I prefer long runs forgetting elevation great work again thanks for the video awesome
It's a wonderful thing to be able to pursue your interests to such a degree. Too bad about the "helix" -- that was a nice piece of engineering.
Thanks Eliot
Really cool
Thanks
Amazing layout! Quick Q: What are those little "flags" or signs for that are put next to some tracks in the scenery? I didn´t see those in videos of other large layouts.
They identify the different railroad districts and yards for control of the rail cars and switches.
Nice!
Thanks!
This is a fantastic layout. I am really interested in the speed matching table shown at 25:57. Can you provide more information about how it works or was built? Thanks
superbe reseau💗
You can buy a Waffleside boxcar off the shelf, and it's nowhere close to most of what the KCS had.
The KCS has no mainline grade steeper than 1.5%, which was by the edict of Arthur Stillwell, the man behind the building of the KCS. That was also why the KCS did not go into Ft. Smith from the north because the grades would have had to be greater than 1.5%. The original line into Ft. Smith was washed out by the Arkansas River and the KCS gained access by trackage rights over the SL-SF until the Frisco sold the line to the KCS.
Since taking over a number of lines in Mexico by way of KCS de M, the Mexican lines have a number of long tunnels. The access to Mexico is by way of Laredo to Monterrey to Mexico City and ports on the Gulf of Mexico and on the Pacific.
I did not notice any of the stainless steel cabooses the KCS had and used. I grew up a block away from the mainline in Shreveport going down to Mansfield and on south to Port Arthur.
The rock quarry... is that a single kit or a number of kits assembled together to form the whole scene? Or Scratch built?
Thx
It is several kits “kitbashed”: parts of Walthers’ “Glacier Gravel Company” plus “Medusa Cement” plus some separate conveyor kits and other things. Some of the structures and bridges are completely scratch built. The piles of limestone etc. are just carved foam with limestone colored ballast glued to them.
I tried to abbreviate I would have, but my spellchek drives me crazy.
that link doesnt work
Here’s the link to my UA-cam channel: www.youtube.com/@TTownTrainFan
Thanks, I fixed it in the discription also. Please Subscribe to Steve Davis UA-cam Channel.
What are the curve radaii?
33” minimum on the mainline.
Will you be my father please, so I run this awesome railroad?
Can get rid of the elevator music,a bit distracting. Nice layout though.
Thanks for watching. The music is free, if you would like to donate to my channel, I would be more than happy to buy better music.
Really nice layout, except for the background buildings which cheapens it.
Interesting comment. Should I have just painted this buildings in instead of using the background buildings?
There's nothing cheap about this layout.
Did you use a potato to film this??? Nice video otherwise.
I did, its called the iPhone.
To much talking and not enough action. Should've seen more about the running, makes for a boring video.
Next video I will show the operation, thanks for watching my boring video.
27:57
Nice tour of a very impressive layout, but I could have lived without the unnecessary and distracting background music.
Noted!