I am at a loss to describe genius, old school knowledge, and what the next young generation can build with their own hands if they just put down a phone!! Awesome work Bill !!! I love every idea you came up with..Pure enjoyment to watch...
This is such a unique layout!! One of the coolest I've ever seen :) Wow... thanks for making this high quality video. The middle part with the bridges and different elevations of track, absolutely stunning. And so many viewing angles!! I've watched A LOT of layout videos and this is one of my favorites.
Brilliantly done, Bill. Very tastefully done. It seems larger layouts (and smaller ones too) can end up being so busy and cluttered. Those layouts end up being overwhelming. Your layout has achieved the ultimate balance of operation and landscape, with a very organic feel. This train room also reiterates the importance of cleanly done facia, walls, ceiling, and lighting. Thanks for sharing! Noah
Your layout is great; and very inspiring. Your control/electronic seem sophisticated and yet they appear not intimidating. You have a knack of blending sophistication and naked artistry. Truly magnificent!
I love the peninsula and the way the train climbs back and forth on it's way to the upper level. I suspect John Allen had quite an influence on your design. If only my mountain layout would look so convincing.
Thanks Dennis. Actually, I'm not familiar with that aspect of John Allen's work. The design came about because I wanted to include a long steady climb requiring helpers in the layout.
I live about 100 miles east of Canada's Rocky Mountains and as a result, mountain railroading has always been my location of choice. The way you captured the feel of a mountain railroad is amazing Bill. I don't suppose you have a track diagram that you would be willing to post?
SUPERB is the only word to describe this layout. Wow, what an inspiration to those who are going to build their own layout in the not too distant future like ME. Thanks, and good job!
You may have the best layout on the site... It is truly a pleasure to watch. I always shut off my TV to watch your videos. I have had many people fooled into thinking its real life! get some diesel power on there!
thats just awesome the auto lift bridge coolest thing i have ever seen and the screen door spring very smart indeed .well done great landscapes thanks for sharing this layout with everyone. you the man
this by far is one of the top contenders for layout of the year and I might add is on the wish list of every model train fan, yes! I count myself in on that, I wish it were mine
Bill Rodgers. Southern Pacific RailRoad in the Cascades - part 12, A Layout Tour. Truly Amazing Layout you have Bill. With lots ads of detales. Out Standing.
Bill - I must say, your layout is truly inspiring, awesome and extremely entertaining! Fave & a save for this video. In a time when our daily focus is on bombings, econ bad news, worry, strife, and political division in our own beloved nation - your delight in this hobby is a breathe of fresh air! Your rock work and tree-lined landscapes are REALLY inspiring me to get going on my layout aspirations.
One of the most BEAUTIFUL layouts I've seen on video. You are a CREDIT to our hobby. The detail is so realistic. I just LOVE it. Many THANKS, kytrainman
w o w !!!! what a massive fright train, nearly endless. in between viewing your video, i also wondered about the cab forward heading steam engines, but after reading few coments and answers... thank you for the video and your efforts for building and showing something like this
Superb performance! Well done Bill! That is ans was the best model railroad video ever posted. Seeing the train work thru the layout from those long wide shots, walking us thru the layout, and everything you showed us! Fantastic footage and once again well done. Wish I were in the area so I could stop by and run a modern on your layout. Next thing you need to do is invest in a few SP AC4400 or the like and intermodals. Would be perfect for your setting. Thanks again Bill for a great update!
Well I found your layout inspirational. I am starting to collect everything to build my second layout and I have really enjoyed looking at what and how you have created everything. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks! I'm glad you like it. It is a cab forward; but not a Big Boy. Big Boys were conventional 4-8-8-4 articulated locomotives operated by the Union Pacific. Cab forwards were unique to the Southern Pacific.
nice professional looking layout!....and excellent use of the helix....i have a layout "under construction" with a helix in the mountain as well, but in S scale so only two tiers....am still in the plywood fever stage because i enjoy watching the trains "test" my loop too much and haven't been able to find the time to finish it yet.....but your layout has given me a couple of ideas and some inspiration to get back to working on it....only difference being i prefer the blue and pink foam for rocks/cliffs, etc.....lighter weight and more realistic but i have to say that was some mighty fine hydro-cal work....got into using foam thru my friends who worked in efx in the movies down in l.a.
Thanks Ed. When I converted my layout from DC to DCC (several years ago) I used Digitrax non-sound decoders. Subsequently I have purchased a number of sound equipped locomotives that came with a variety of decoders. Currently, I use SoundTraxx Tsunami decoders to convert silent DCC locomotives to sound.
Thanks MEC513. If I knew someone with a fleet of modern rolling stock, it would be fun to run it on the layout. I can imagine a whole new series of videos featuring big modern locomotives and distributed power.
Thank you 72blackbird. The grade is 2 1/2%. It is just steep enough to require helper locomotives for trains over about 10 cars. You can find out much more about the layout by visiting the layout web site. The web site has a track plan, several articles about layout features, and many photos. There is a clickable link in the description text below the main video window. You may need to first click the "Show more" button to see the link.
Thanks! The helix radii are 30 inches and 28 inches for the inner and outer tracks. There are helix details on the layout website. Click on "Show More" below the video window for the layout website URL.
I have seen almost all your videos and i have to say, you are gifted as a modeler. the level of detail is unmatched compared to any other layout i have ever seen. and who ever said don't sweat the details has clearly never seen one of your videos. this is a truly amazing layout. and i was also wondering, were do you buy all your locomotives from? Thanks, TheBrakeMan17.
Sweet! LOVED the helix scene. You have great faith in your automated lift section closer on time every time! I am still trying to get a sense of an articulated sound. I had to drop my EM-1 back to a single wiper because it all quickly became a continuous sound. Your cab forward was not a continuous sound but I did not hear 8 distinctive beats either. Anyway thanks for posting. You do Espee well!
how you managed to fit so many scenes in such a small space i will never know, but i do know that this layout is incredible and very true-to-life while also having its own unique traits.
That's amazing! The automation of your layout has got to make it easier to run! I'm VERY impressed with this, and some of the small techniques I saw in this video may be used in some of my future layouts. Great job, and have fun!
Thank you bcsanches. There is one curve which is mostly concealed in a tunnel with a 28 inch radius and the inner track in the helix has a 28 inch radius. The rest are 30 inch radius or larger.
I am at a loss to describe genius, old school knowledge, and what the next young generation can build with their own hands if they just put down a phone!! Awesome work Bill !!! I love every idea you came up with..Pure enjoyment to watch...
This is such a unique layout!! One of the coolest I've ever seen :) Wow... thanks for making this high quality video. The middle part with the bridges and different elevations of track, absolutely stunning. And so many viewing angles!! I've watched A LOT of layout videos and this is one of my favorites.
Brilliantly done, Bill. Very tastefully done. It seems larger layouts (and smaller ones too) can end up being so busy and cluttered. Those layouts end up being overwhelming. Your layout has achieved the ultimate balance of operation and landscape, with a very organic feel. This train room also reiterates the importance of cleanly done facia, walls, ceiling, and lighting.
Thanks for sharing!
Noah
Your layout is great; and very inspiring.
Your control/electronic seem sophisticated and yet they appear not intimidating. You have a knack of blending sophistication and naked artistry.
Truly magnificent!
I love the peninsula and the way the train climbs back and forth on it's way to the upper level. I suspect John Allen had quite an influence on your design. If only my mountain layout would look so convincing.
Thanks Dennis. Actually, I'm not familiar with that aspect of John Allen's work. The design came about because I wanted to include a long steady climb requiring helpers in the layout.
I live about 100 miles east of Canada's Rocky Mountains and as a result, mountain railroading has always been my location of choice. The way you captured the feel of a mountain railroad is amazing Bill. I don't suppose you have a track diagram that you would be willing to post?
*****
Thanks Dennis. The track plan can be seen at: spcascade.com/Track%20Plan/TrackPlan.html
Thanks Bill, I'll have a look
Dennis
That layout is ridiculously well done. Very impressive.
Whoever disliked this...??? I don't get peoples' minds. I think this layout is really great work!
"O-U-T-S-T-A-N-DI-N-G-" in form, function, design, and killer scenery! BRAVO!!!
Again, I'm just blown away by this layout of yours--really remarkable!
Tom
SUPERB is the only word to describe this layout. Wow, what an inspiration to those who are going to build their own layout in the not too distant future like ME. Thanks, and good job!
You may have the best layout on the site... It is truly a pleasure to watch. I always shut off my TV to watch your videos. I have had many people fooled into thinking its real life! get some diesel power on there!
Grest video Bill! I particularly like the view inside the Helix where you can see three layers of the same train.
Beautiful layout. I could sit on that mountain and look at those trains all day!
thats just awesome the auto lift bridge coolest thing i have ever seen and the screen door spring very smart indeed .well done great landscapes thanks for sharing this layout with everyone. you the man
Impressive scenery & the signals will help make for some fun operations on that layout. The footprint is unique & noteworthy as well.
Cool looking layout, love the long sweeping curves, can't wait to see how mine turnout. ..
I could literally sit there and watch your trains go by for hours! Jason.
this by far is one of the top contenders for layout of the year and I might add is on the wish list of every model train fan, yes! I count myself in on that, I wish it were mine
Great layout. I like the way you take advantage of the space to maximize the functionality of the layout.
Bill-that's amazing. I could watch this layout for hours. The detail and quality of engineering is amazing. LOVE the descent helix. Fantastic
Quite a remarkable layout! You should be very proud of your work and innovation!!!
Bill Rodgers.
Southern Pacific RailRoad in the Cascades - part 12, A Layout Tour. Truly Amazing Layout you have Bill. With lots ads of detales. Out Standing.
Bill - I must say, your layout is truly inspiring, awesome and extremely entertaining! Fave & a save for this video. In a time when our daily focus is on bombings, econ bad news, worry, strife, and political division in our own beloved nation - your delight in this hobby is a breathe of fresh air!
Your rock work and tree-lined landscapes are REALLY inspiring me to get going on my layout aspirations.
One of the most BEAUTIFUL layouts I've seen on video. You are a CREDIT to our hobby. The detail is so realistic. I just LOVE it. Many THANKS, kytrainman
Stunning layout! Keep up the awesome build! (Goes back to sweeping the sawdust out of the garage again.)
I love the long train and and looks just right on your layout.
Good Job Bill, I'm really impress on your layout, Really glad you shared with all of us. Keep up the good work.
w o w !!!! what a massive fright train, nearly endless. in between viewing your video, i also wondered about the cab forward heading steam engines, but after reading few coments and answers... thank you for the video and your efforts for building and showing something like this
Superb performance! Well done Bill! That is ans was the best model railroad video ever posted. Seeing the train work thru the layout from those long wide shots, walking us thru the layout, and everything you showed us! Fantastic footage and once again well done. Wish I were in the area so I could stop by and run a modern on your layout. Next thing you need to do is invest in a few SP AC4400 or the like and intermodals. Would be perfect for your setting. Thanks again Bill for a great update!
Well I found your layout inspirational. I am starting to collect everything to build my second layout and I have really enjoyed looking at what and how you have created everything. Thank you for sharing.
Wow..picking jaw up off floor. .Great layout. .thanks for sharing and keep up the great work. .
That is very pleasing to watch. Great work on making the layout!!
That mountain scene is mind boggling amazing work. Very well done!
Excellent work, loved watching the train on 3 levels of the helix....Especially liked the christmas tree!!
Impressive endeavor!
Also love how the cab-forwards and the caboose are each spaced a helix-revolution apart...
smart layout, very cool that you used flextrack.........love the wide, sweeping curves
Thanks! I'm glad you like it. It is a cab forward; but not a Big Boy. Big Boys were conventional 4-8-8-4 articulated locomotives operated by the Union Pacific. Cab forwards were unique to the Southern Pacific.
The stuff Dentists use for impressions and it lasts forever, great layout great photography Bill!
Hi Bill. This looks so great. Fantastic ideas.
Really enjoyed your layout.
Some great construction work & fabulous scenery.
Tony.
Ireland.
One authentic gift for eyes. Well done.
Salutations from Spain Madrid
Speachless - what an incredible layout !
nice professional looking layout!....and excellent use of the helix....i have a layout "under construction" with a helix in the mountain as well, but in S scale so only two tiers....am still in the plywood fever stage because i enjoy watching the trains "test" my loop too much and haven't been able to find the time to finish it yet.....but your layout has given me a couple of ideas and some inspiration to get back to working on it....only difference being i prefer the blue and pink foam for rocks/cliffs, etc.....lighter weight and more realistic but i have to say that was some mighty fine hydro-cal work....got into using foam thru my friends who worked in efx in the movies down in l.a.
Great work! I like how you focused on fully detailing one area at time! Great track work too!
Spectacular work Bill, hats off for some master modelling skills !
Cheers Gregg
Sweet layout!!! LOTS of forethought & hard work went into it. Thanks for sharing!!!!
Very good workmanship, hope to build the same in not too distance future. Excellent video presentation 10/10
Stunning system design. .
Hovermotion
The mountains look so real!
Thanks Ed. When I converted my layout from DC to DCC (several years ago) I used Digitrax non-sound decoders. Subsequently I have purchased a number of sound equipped locomotives that came with a variety of decoders. Currently, I use SoundTraxx Tsunami decoders to convert silent DCC locomotives to sound.
excellent job!, nice layout, a good eye for color!
Absolutely beautiful. My brother would totally love this layout.
Thanks MEC513. If I knew someone with a fleet of modern rolling stock, it would be fun to run it on the layout. I can imagine a whole new series of videos featuring big modern locomotives and distributed power.
The flex track is mostly Atlas code 83. Turnouts include totally scratch built, Central Valley kits, Walthers/Shinohara, and Atlas.
This was beautiful
Bill great layout, thanks for the video!!!!!
Just checked out your website, it is loaded with info including your track plan. Cheers Bill, very informative.
excellent unique design and WOW automatic bridges? thats awesome
You have excellent detail throughout your layout. I loved the tour! Thanks.
Watching the train in the helix is hypnotic!
Nice work! Looks great!
Hard work really pays off!
Fantastic layout!
Excellent job on your layout. Keep up the good work.
Very nice video , and you have an awesome layout. Congratulations from Spain
Thank you mapexmac. That was a thoughtful and generous thing to say.
Thank you 72blackbird. The grade is 2 1/2%. It is just steep enough to require helper locomotives for trains over about 10 cars. You can find out much more about the layout by visiting the layout web site. The web site has a track plan, several articles about layout features, and many photos. There is a clickable link in the description text below the main video window. You may need to first click the "Show more" button to see the link.
Wow!!! Now that is a layout! Now you need a fog machine in there to get the Cascades on a foggy day.
The curve you are referring to is a 30 inch radius. It looks tighter in the video than it really is. Bill R.
Amazing, Great video, you have done some amazing scenery and also the camera angles were all perfect, Nicely done!!
Thanks! The helix radii are 30 inches and 28 inches for the inner and outer tracks. There are helix details on the layout website. Click on "Show More" below the video window for the layout website URL.
Wow, a work of love by a genius !!!
Absolutely stunning!! What a dream!
What a layout that is mate looks like the really thing mate
Purely love this layout can not watch it enough
Beautiful layout!! Engine error though... Coal tender should be on the other end of the engine.
William Reimund there no errors on the engines they are forward cab steam locomotive
The best modelrailroader....
Congratulations...
Juliano F Serra
Brasil.
I really enjoyed this amazing trip.
Loved how you shot this video tour! Thanks!
I have seen almost all your videos and i have to say, you are gifted as a modeler. the level of detail is unmatched compared to any other layout i have ever seen. and who ever said don't sweat the details has clearly never seen one of your videos. this is a truly amazing layout. and i was also wondering, were do you buy all your locomotives from?
Thanks, TheBrakeMan17.
Sweet! LOVED the helix scene. You have great faith in your automated lift section closer on time every time! I am still trying to get a sense of an articulated sound. I had to drop my EM-1 back to a single wiper because it all quickly became a continuous sound. Your cab forward was not a continuous sound but I did not hear 8 distinctive beats either.
Anyway thanks for posting. You do Espee well!
Thanks. Great Layout,and description of the build,etc. Mmmmmmmm
I couldn't stand the noise of the train for long.....but a fantastic layout....congratulations.
Just beautiful!!! just needs a little smoke coming out from that loco!!!
how you managed to fit so many scenes in such a small space i will never know, but i do know that this layout is incredible and very true-to-life while also having its own unique traits.
No problem. I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks.
That's amazing! The automation of your layout has got to make it easier to run! I'm VERY impressed with this, and some of the small techniques I saw in this video may be used in some of my future layouts. Great job, and have fun!
wow what a great layout. would love to have a layout as good as yours!!!
Thank you bcsanches. There is one curve which is mostly concealed in a tunnel with a 28 inch radius and the inner track in the helix has a 28 inch radius. The rest are 30 inch radius or larger.
That layout is amazing.
Amazing work, very impressive. I love it. Thanks for sharing it!
fantastic layout;
amazing scenery
Chris, Thank you for the nice compliment. I'm glad you like the layout.
This is SWEET. Wish I could visit one day
One word......................WOW!.........Thanks for sharing...;-)
beautiful job!! Love the helix! great talent!
Wow!! Fantastic work very nice!!!
Thanks and great layout by the way. I wish I had the room to do something like that.
WOW it looks like it has been put along of work into it
Awesome layout
nice layout and cab forward!
Vous avez un réseau magnifique félicitation bravo !!!!!!!!!
Your layout is so great,i like it