Thanks very much for the kind words!! Such a fun hobby, I really hope we keep seeing more backyard railroads popping up like the good old days. Cheers! 🔥
I do wish 1" was more popular. I remember as kid there being some leftover dual guage at the riverside live steamers in southern California, but no one ran on it anymore and it was eventually all removed. I'm sure the smaller stuff isn't as easy to ride on, but its cheaper and would help more people be able to get into the hobby.
Fantastic update, Jimmy! Can't wait to see more of the progress on this as you build out the spur and start working on the mainline! Also super excited to see your highline build.
Thanks so much, Dylan!! Love seeing the progress on your loco on IG, you’ll have to bring her down for a run on the Highline once I get some more track down! 🔥
Man these days the hardest part is the property, I do understand that. However I always stress to folks: I paid less for the steam locomotive in the intro of this video (in the condition I bought it) than a G-gauge Accucraft “Ruby” 0-4-0 goes for now, and less than 90% of electric model locomotives currently on the market in most tabletop scales. All it takes is being crazy enough to keep plugging away at a project, and before you know it you’ll have a fleet of equipment. I started in MTH O gauge when I was young, I don’t think I’ve invested much more into this than folks do on their layouts. My big expense here was land, but there are clubs to run these locos in almost every state, so you don’t need a huge initial investment to get on the track if you’re willing to get your hands dirty and fix up something old.🔥
I am a new subscriber, loved watching your track laying video, brings back memories of starting my own railroad 25 years ago. Chuckled as you worked into the night, have done so many times. I do have one suggestion. I noticed the bag you were pouring out of said pea gravel. That is fine as long as it is crushed and not round gravel. It needs the bite of crushed gravel to hold the ties. Also, I've found through experience it is better to have your rail joint resting on a tie rather than between ties. Be careful of where this very addicting hobby can take you. I am resting after unloading two tons of 1" high steel rail this morning for future expansion of my 2 1/2" scale, 7 1/2" narrow gauge railroad.
I love this. The music reminds me of a tune I heard when I was a kid. the lyrics went "I been working on the railroad, 5 cents a day. I been picking up horse sh*t and throwing it away". hahaha.
4-3/4” narrow gauge is so special as well!!! Truly all of the best of both worlds, and so hard to come across. Always love seeing your locos and progress, I’ve gotta get something a little more “western” looking one of these days!! 🔥
Nice work man! Can’t wait to come visit in the future! I strongly recommend sticking with 5/8” rail. That’s what we run at FLLS and it’s pretty bullet proof.
Thanks so much, Paul!! Would absolutely love to have you guys. Really appreciate the tip on 5/8 rail as well, that would be my preferred size for sure. Will definitely keep you guys updated if I end up getting my hands on a rail die, otherwise I’ll stay on the lookout for 5/8. 🔥
Another great video, Jimmy. I used 1/2" rail on about half of my 4.75" railroad (1.5" scale, narrow-gauge). Looks great, but probably not suited to heavy use. This rail was sold by Real Trains out west (now gone). I agree on the satisfaction of manual labor - my cuts were all dug by hand. I do use the front-end loader on my tractor for some tasks, like hauling material to build fills. Keep up the terrific work - love the videos (and the music)! -Dave.
I am loving watching you build your backyard railroad. I am currently building a 3/4" scale 4-8-4 Northern (a stretched Hoffman Hudson). I'm almost ready to run on air. Where are you getting your rail" I have enough for 150' of track but can not find a supplier for additional rail. Please let me know if you find a source as the closest club is 150 miles from me making me desire my own track at the shop. I'll would be glad to share an extrusion run with you.
Hi. Just fund your channel. Impressed s far. However… please reconsider using pine RR ties. Pressure treated will last significantly longer and the newer (current) chemical is much less harmful to the environment. Not to mention it’s painful for me to watch you go through all that work for nothing since them ties will need to be replaced in a few short years. Best of luck with the channel. I’ll be living vicariously through you. Subscriber number 881. 😉
This is awesome to know, thanks so much for sharing Aaron!!! I definitely might reach out in the future with some more questions, if I end up going that route I’d be so happy to work with somebody in our community!! Really appreciate the connection and will definitely keep you updated.
Hey I know its been a long time but by any chance do you Remember if your friend Jays 4-4-2 was 3.5" or 4.75"? I'd really like to build one roughly the same size as his. Thanks Jack, By the way loved the video, can't wait to see your pacific running on your track.
Hi there, absolutely! Jay built his Atlantic to the Charlie Purinton “Angus” design, 3.5” gauge 3/4” scale. I know there are still drawings available somewhere, possibly IBLS website? Jay also has an awesome youtube channel, I think it should come up if you search Jay Monty Live Steam 🔥
This is a great question!! Personally, I believe adding multiple gauges to one line can be a good option for the same reason real railroads did it (time, budget, access, etc), but I’ve never wanted to lay a dual-gauge railroad myself. I’ve mostly only had access to a dual-gauge track for the last decade or so, and in my experience the gauges tend to wear unevenly unless you go all welded steel construction (like St. Croix Highline, that is perfect), and I think sometimes the third rail can make it look a bit like Lionel to me 🙃 I will likely have one or two dual-gauge spurs near the shop to make transporting equipment around the property less labor intensive, but otherwise the lines are all completely independent from one another. Thanks for asking and for following along!! Cheers 🔥
