Just started watching this video (today) but had to chuckle a bit about the pricing of the materials! For example, that exact piece of foam board from Lowe's (the 1in x 4ft x 8ft) now costs TWICE what you paid! Yep, 25 bucks instead of $12.50. And they say inflation's only 20-30% Ha!
Absolutely a fantastic video that helps folks like me not completely fear wading into the N scale world. Beautiful job, LOVE the final product (well, maybe version 1.0 as I know these are never "done" which is what makes it fun!).
I also happen to own an N-scale j3a Hudson myself and I did not do a slope test before building my first train layout. I built my train layout with a max grade of 2 and even on the 2, the train struggled with four pullman cars which could also be due to the fact that the 2 percent is on a curve. It is quite unfortunate because it is such a good-looking model.
Hey you video was one of the ones that helped me make the plunge and finally (re-) create my layout under a bed (from my youth) for my Grandchildren... Thank you for sharing
very nice ! personal note, not usually a fan of music on videos, but I appreciate the hard work on mixing and timing put it on this one, its really good ! (I also like your taste in music). I really enjoyed this video and will learn from it. Thanks for the cool video.
Looks like you adapted the 2 x 3 from Steve’s Trains for your layout. I’m doing the same and have also stretched it to 2 x 4. I am using Unitrack though as I have a ton of the stuff, the switches already have automatic throw machines built in. After I’m done with the scenery and ballasting you can barely tell it’s Unitrack.
And Tim the toolman Taylor in his words of wisdom he said more power. .. .. look like you were running it in speed notch 3 maybe even 2..... Put a dpu on the last car problem solved
Inglenooks are perfect for a layout which you can play with instead of just watching trains run when little space is available. ATM I'm building one to fit in a Ukulele case (Baritone) in N-Scale. I was looking for ideas for scenery and stopped by here. Going digital is nice. You did a good job with your layout.
great, I always want a coffee table layout but just don't have the skill to complete the whole project. Looking at your build, I personally probably dis-assemble the table after the base is built, the put the table back together after the build is 90%+ completed. Just a thought.
This is a beautiful layout and I am really impressed but also dismayed. This is your first layout and it is more beautiful than anything I have done in 51 years in the hobby. I have dozens of n-scale and even more HO scale locos and hundreds of rolling stock. I have built several layouts over the years but nothing comes close who how good yours looks. Really great work and inspirational. I need to build a new layout… Kato Unitrack on plain wood just won’t cut it anymore.
Really enjoyed your presentation and the final results. I did a similar setup in lockdown. A few sleepless night were involved. Mine is ‘analogue’ so I did succeed in placing the lines from a set of switches ‘underground’ for the points. So pleasing but very fiddly. I did not plan the type of rail to use as you did? That was a mistake I would not do next time! I am 74 years old so perhaps ‘next time’ might be a bit hopeful? Well done and thanks for taking the time to show your layout on You Tube.
Very good. I've just designed my very first N gauge 4' x 2' layout ( on a budget) and glad to see the tight loops at each end seem to work fine. as I'm limited to a 9" radius at the ends. Like yours. the tracks go into tunnels each end and and one is elevated to cross the other under the mountains. Apart from the track ( Peco SL-300 Code 80) everything has been bought used and I intend to scratch build as much as I can. Luckily, I have an Ender 3D printer which will help a lot and I am fairly competent with model metal and resin moulding so hoping to keep the cost down as I have several other Hobbies requiring an injection of funds.
I enjoyed this, I'm just getting back into building a layout after 40 years, and going to switch to N scale and a door-ish sized layout. This was great, and the upper level track added quite a sense of depth. I'd love to see more on your control system... liked and sub'd.
Nice, thanks for the inspiration. I have been fascinated for a long time, but never took the plunge. Maybe once cataract surgery is done I'll do something.
Well executed video, my current layout is 6x12 N Scale but it was a 2x4 layout that got me back into the hobby. I’m also building a 2x4 switching layout. But again, well done!
Nice layout. Although code 55 looks great I still stick to regular track myself, sometimes older models can have flanges just a bit too big for this kind of track. Would cost me a fortune to change out all the wheels 😄
NYC - that is MY favorite railroad... and a Coffee Table layout oh my goodness... You have motivated me !!! 25 years late but better late than never... Thank you :)
Nice Layout, I look forward to your updates. Also I am glad to see you showing others how easy it is to build a layout and the fun that can be had. Keep up the good work!
Hi Mike,just enjoyed watching your video of the 4’x2’ .like the track plan.did you use the peco long xing SL E394F or short xing SL-E393F. Please let me know.regards Alan Toulcher.
Great job...... I belong to a model railroad club but will be starting a layout in my basement with limited space your layout was very encouraging thank you
Great !!! I would like to see a winter scene based layout instructional video just like this one ... I have read a couple of articles about winter scenes in Model Railroader magazine but never seen a video with all these types of tips about winter scene...
