Hi, welcome to my channel! My content focuses mostly on smaller HO Scale layouts and 1:87 scale model railroading featuring the Woodland Scenics Grand Valley Layout and related products. We'll be going through updates and modifications to the layout, tips and tricks for newbies and those looking to get started in model railroading. We’ll also be working on model buildings and scenery work, as well as rolling stock mods, weathering, lighting and operating new equipment like locos, switches, lighting etc. For legitimate business inquiries, sponsorships and or potential product reviews I can be reached via email at: dansgrandvalley@gmail.com
@@DansGrandValleycool thanks 🙏 I have read in other places where people say you can’t as these kits are made for code 83 and it won’t fit but I don’t see how it could be that far off I mean it’s not like you’re dealing with the next gauge up . Disclaimer I’m a noob level 10 and still stuck is never done a layout stage but also Trying to avoid having to spend tons of money and buy all new track
@@MrKingjoe28 ahh gotcha. No, the main difference between code 100 and code 83 track is the height of the rails. Code 83 looks a little more realistic compared to real life rails because it’s just a little bit shorter. But code 100 works better for models being just a little bit taller. You get less derailments, and issues with smaller radius turns. Typically code 100 has black railroad ties and usually needs to be painted, 83 typically comes with brown ties, however I’ve seen them both ways. As far as the size of the track itself, the width and curvature of the radius they are identical. You would have no problems even mixing and matching the two other than they are different heights. They do sell special rail joiners that compensate for the height, and I have mixed the two before. But just for aesthetics, I try to keep to one or the other.
@@DansGrandValley thank you so much for the in depth and helpful reply! So to be clear if I found the track list for this layout I could purchase said tracks as code 100 correct ? Like I say I already have a bunch of code 100 so it would save me a lot of money to be able to do so . I also have a piko sprinter train I got that I rather like to use and from what I read it only works on certain code 83 track so at least if I use the 100 I don’t have to worry about it not running a correctly as well .
@@MrKingjoe28 yes, code 100 will work just fine! Here’s the most up to date track plan. woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/images/instructionsNew/ST1483trackplan.pdf -Dan
I think it would work well in N gauge. My only advice would be to eliminate the cross and go with an over-under there where the mains meet. It’s a fun layout and would be amazing in a smaller scale!
Hey Dan, Not sure about NCE because I have Digitrax, you can run DC locomotives on DCC by setting the address to 00. The system should run an analog locomotive but not for long and don't leave seating for a long period without turning the power off. I have a small layout to test locomotives on DC to make sure they run before putting a decoder in. And I think most but not all decoders can run from a DC power pack if you take it to a friend's layout that doesn't have DCC. You can turn that function off using a CV. Not sure which one it is for the brand. As always I love your channel!
Thanks David, yeah that’s kind of unique. It’s a camel-back, not cab forward as I mentioned. It’s really cool and runs great! Thanks for watching my friend. 👍🏼
Beautiful stuff, Dan, love seeing it all! I'm sure that young neighbor is having all kinds of fun with trains already. Those things all look super neat. Looking forward to seeing them come along more!
That's quite an impressive haul there, Dan. I'm jealous. As for the chemical tank car, those types were introduced in 1963 so it would fit with the GVRR. Since it is damaged, you could model it partially inside one of the engine house stalls while showing some workers making an attempt repair to it.
The Burlington gondola is an Athearn. The reefer is an Athearn, and the other Dan near you has the reefer hatches and locks. The DT&I is a Tyco and is meant to be used with a coal dumper. The Frontier Chemical could be used in the 60's. That car is a 50's design. I believe it is an Athearn also.
Great tips about street light placement and thin wire feeding, Dan. I have an idea about where you can place the cop car. It would involve replacing the passenger station with a doughnut shop - lol.
Hi Dan. Great video. Do you think woodland scenics light hubs and expansion work other brands of lighted cars? I bought some in N scale off eBay and wondered if W. S. would power them.
Hi Thomas, yes I think they will. The other street lamps that I talked about on my last video are not WS, but the light hubs powered them just fine. I believe they’ll handle a wide range of voltages.
@@thomascanady1967 yeah I guess it’s just a matter of trial and error. I didn’t care too much about those other lamps so I just plugged them in. They worked great! Ha ha.
Hi Dan, I like the 5 WS lights in town center. I would add more in the dinner area and others you mentioned. It would look 😎with lights off. Ty for tips and mention in video. I changed to True Track as I have neuropathy and had issues with the Atlas Code 83. It kept coming apart from rail joiners. Unitrack is so much easier for me. I plan to use it for my 3rd outer track 👍✌️.
Train shows are so much fun. I think five on the streets and one in the park would be best, but you might experiment and see if you can wire two lights into one connection and have two in the park.
Nice to see you finally have several police cars to choose from - lol. I actually like the other street lights better than the globe ones. As for placement ideas, I like the idea of five lights around the businesses, have three around the park (one on the curve also) and two just in the diner parking lot area. You could place two of the globe-style streetlights in front of the diner itself. By the way, do you know the brand name of those 10-pack of streetlights?
Awesome video Dan and lots of great ideas etc. Cant wait to see what u got at Train show. I WS makes police car with lights. I’m changing out all my Atlas Code 83 with Atlas True Track. Im going to use my Kato Unitrack on 3rd outside line. Im thankful for my hobby store. They have some true track for 1/2 off. So that was w win. Ty for your videos.
nice, what little lights I had the just plugged was simple. My thoughts were Cows and Cornfields need no power. But little man changed my mind. rake care
Ha ha awesome. I picked up some just plug street lights at the train show Saturday, so hopefully I’ll get my behind busy real soon and get those in. Thanks Mike. 👍🏼
Thank you! Yes, I don’t really have a need for automatic switches. The ground throws help keep the switches in place when the trains roll over them, so I’m pretty happy with the setup now.
I'm a big fan of the Woodland Scenics Just Plug system. It's more expensive, but so much easier to deal with. Especially for smaller layouts and NOT entire room layouts. You just have to decide yourself where to put the money for your particular layout.
Great video. I was considering this set, but i'm running Walther's passenger cars and they need a 24 curve so 4x8 wouldn't work for me. After watching this video I think I can build the same from scratch at 5x9 by using two 2.5 x 4.5 boards.
Thanks Xavior! Yes, that’s one of the unfortunate things about the layout, the 18” curves. Please keep us updated if you go ahead with your build! I’ve love to share some of your photos. 👍🏼
Hi, thanks for watching! It’s actually just a photo backdrop paper. I got it on eBay and it is not embossed. It’s amazing how the rocks look 3 dimensional on the videos. Check eBay for diorama and hobby backdrops.
