Nice looking project. This is a GREAT thing to do if you have been procrastinating about your larger layout. You know, the one that goes around a full bedroom or basement that you just can't get started on - too many choices, too big a project. So, do a 2' X 4' layout. If you want to make it a bit larger go ahead but not toooooo large nor toooo complex. You "may" want to go to something a bit wider (2 1/2' perhaps) which gives you a bit more room to work with a bit larger radius and perhaps a double mainline. Again, as you've indicated, this is NOT your ultimate layout and in fact can be thrown away, stored in a small space, given to someone else or whatever you want. And, if you build it with a track or two leading off the edge you can then build a second 2' X 4' later and link the two together! TIP of the day. When you have are gluing your foam down, flip it upside down onto your "relatively level" floor and you'll have the added weight of your lumber to help press it in place although I'd still put some additional weight on it however the base will disburse the weight over the entire surface better.
I’m going to be making an addition that actually uses benchwork like this, and I decided to come back and watch this again. I gotta tell you, I feel the box of diapers. We don’t have any anymore and I’m sure you don’t either, as my son turned 4 not too long ago. I’m glad this video was here to come back to. All I did for the first part of my layout was stack 3 layers of foam as I wanted to be able to dig down for an underpass under the track.
Great video for the beginners out there! One word of caution when sanding extruded foam (or using a table saw to rip long strips of it like I do), remember to wear a dust mask or respirator, those fine foam particles will destroy your lungs over time. Great job Jimmy!
BACK TO BASICS. i LOVE IT. I wish every YTer's would take the time to realize, there are newbies every day. And even the most mundane ventures should be peat and repeated periodically. Good job Jimmy. Now for you to comments. You mentioned the security of glueing and pinning with nails. That concept is also true with spiraled conecel pins (a.k.a. screws). When adding adhesives to a screwed joint it strengthens the joint over the long term. Hence the expression, "Glue it & Screw it." Secondly, you mentioned the use of clamps. Yet in the same breath you said if clamps weren't available the viewer could utilize the assistance of a partner. Visually it would have driven home the idea home by having an ATTRACTIVE FEMALE ASSISTANT assist you with the setup and truing up of the boards. Do you know anyone who would fit the bill????? ~Jim
I can't wait to see the rest of this series! I think I'm going to take this idea to work on a Christmas layout before next Christmas. My N scale trains are a little small for running under the tree, but I could put together a little snowy scene as some additional decoration. It'll be a good project for me to work on with my 7 year old. I've been wanting to work on a model train project with her.
Thank you for the inspiration. I am definitely planning on replicating MRR one myself. Been out of model railroading for over 25 years, I have just enough space comfortably for a 2 x 4 layout so once I start looking up N scale layouts on RU-vid this was one of the first suggested videos. I have gone through several of your videos and I am a huge fan already. Thank you 🙏🏼
When I Built my N Scale I Started on a 4x8 for a little Then it got Bigger and I Love My Layout.Trying to get my wife’s Layout goin. My wife and I are goin Bachmann she dose Have A little Kato But Can’t find anymore So Now I Am Getting her Bachmann cause it’s Easyier to get at A Hobby Lobby or a Trainshop. Hers Gets done it is Gonna Be a Great Layout.
Wow! I am new to this hobby and I'm currently working on designing my first ever layout. Looking to do N-scale, and my "starter" project is a little more ambitious than MRROne but the techniques will transfer 100%! Very excited to follow this project and I will be saving these in a folder for future reference! Thank you!
I am currently building a 2x12 N scale layout using Kato Unitrack. A loop and a center line for some industries. No 3D printer available. My layout is built so I can sit in a chair, a wheelchair is in my future.
Good demo on the basics to start a first layout Jimmy. Presumably the same track plan could be built in HO, in a 4' x 8' space, using 18" radius curved EZ-Track. Most things you will be doing in the series should scale OK. Art...
Thanks for doing this! After you responded to a comment of mine a few weeks ago, I built a DCC++ Ex command station as my entry into layout building. I’ve been anxiously awaiting this series to guide me along a bit with the rest of the layout building process.
FYI: Not all 2x4 panels are created equal. Some wooden project panels are actually 24" x 49", and that "bonus inch" will throw off your framing cuts, not to mention leave a one inch gap in your foam if you use the 2x2 squares. I discovered this in 2017, so it's not related to this project, but just a lesson learned.
Hey Jimmy, really like the videos. Especially this series, it has inspired me to get into model trains. I'm going to build something similar to what you did here in N scale. Little background, I have nothing yet as far as trains and track and scenery. Skills yes have those. I have a 3d printer and plant to use it for the buildings. Trying to be as cost effective as I can. I have 2 questions (so far lol). Would it be better to buy a train set and then add the track pieces and things I need? Or just buy everything as pieces? (locomotive, rolling stock, track) Second query, in regards to DCC (DCC++, DCC++EX), can any locomotive (n scale) be upgraded to be used in a DCC setup. I would like to start off with DCC capabilities but might not have the budget right away. If you have videos addressing any of this please point me in that direction. Thanks in advance, also thanks for all the work you put in to your videos. They're very good, not too long, not too short, give enough detail and instruction to be very helpful yet not so much that I spend hours trying to get simple information. In other words..... You're in the Goldie Locks Zone. Way better than The Twilight Zone.
A very nice tutorial. You are always so clear and on point. I wish more people would consider production value when they make videos. I intend to follow the entire series. I always learn something new and useful here on the DIY and Digital Railroad channel.
Fantastic video ,this is great and thanks for building a project for us folks with limited space,it is a growing trend because people are always moving or adding to the family and have a small area or need to be portable ,keep up the great work
Thanks for this video. I think I might do this layout on my door and just make it a little longer for more train running room. Do you have a video on how to make streets ?
Great idea, look forward to watching the series. Three notes: What size drill bit are you using to drill the pilot holes for the screws? When you are cutting the lumber, use the speed square as a guide so your whole cut is straight. A little sanding of the end of the lumber would make the fit a lot easier instead of using a hammer to force it. Stay safe.
Nice video. Thank you. I watched to try and understand where you put your feeder holes. Was there some formula you were following or were you just eye it to some expected distance. Maybe Part II will talk more about the wiring, but was just curious as to why you drilled holes where you did. Thanks.
Hi Jimmy, Great video! I'm getting back into the hobby after a 40 year hiatus of raising kids and an active work schedule. I retired last year and for that event my 3 sons bought me a Kato N scale set which I plan to use for your MRROne project. To that end, can you advise what software you are using for the design as I would like to duplicate and follow along on my first layout in retired newbie world. Thanks!
This video is great! this is my first build. I have some questions. You indicated that 6 unijoiners are needed but your video and layout do not show where they should go. Also where does the track that powers the rails go?
Great instructional video!!!👊🏻 In this video you suggest using 1 inch foam board where in others I see they say to use 2 inch. Is there a difference on which size you use? Thanks for any advice!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!!
Can you make a video using a house hold item to make something for your model railroad? There was a British model railroad competition program and the modelers on the show were given some random items that they had to include on their layout. I was wondering if you ever done something like this?
and if you don't have the money or space for big model rail and you want one... check out Transport Fever 2 on steam. Not the same I know but maybe it'll help you scratch the itch.
This is going to be a great series Jimmy! May I make one suggestion? Can you mention what would be equivalent for someone wanting to go HO scale? Thanks for sharing these!!! - Jason
Great video. I am thinking about getting into model railroading and will probably do HO scale since N is just to small for me to work with. I love the benchwork since it seems very simple to do with the way you laid it out. What about the legs for the benchwork? How tall will it be and what type of legs will you use?
Welcome to the hobby! This will be a portable layout so it will probably not have legs, but I always like leg height around the 4 foot range. It gives good viewing in a chair but not too high. I will be doing legs on my new larger door layout coming up next year.
If you want to run steam engines you may want to go 11" rad curves also the 6 axel diesels will like this better as well, i have had a few that did not like 9 3/4, however most Kato and Atlas will run fine on them. Also use Foam Safe caulking when gluing down the foam. Some glues are not foam safe and will dissolve the foam. Also Hollow Core Doors make great fast benchwork. Great Video for beginners, I enjoy all your Videos and thanks for putting out some great information for people.
Jimmy where and how do order Your Building and Your supply thing Barrels etc I really enjoy all you progams and channel would please check to make i am subscriber on all how I try to check but been hoping I am thank you
DCC++ is an open source Arduino-based DCC system. You just need an Arduino Mega, an Arduino R3 Motor Controller shield, a 12v power supply for the motor shield, a 5v power supply for the Arduino, and a computer for setup and optionally JMRI. You may also want an ethernet or wifi shield depending on how you plan on connecting throttles to the system - if you don't use JMRI, you'll need at least one of these.
