I have commented on this layout before. It's one of the most accurate depictions of a Main Street America in current times that I have seen. Call it what you will, he's crossed his 'T's and dotted the I's, all buttoned up. Even the quality of the vehicles is outstanding. Any architect would consider this 'presentation quality' for pitching a new development to a potential client. Photogenic, spatially correct. All model railroaders if they had a wish list, the one thing that's on everybody's list is more space. Everybody has to downsize and still try to be proto-typically accurate. I don't know the area you are modeling, so I can't tell what you have downsized. Sometimes those areas stick out like a sore thumb. Not here, everything flows seamlessly. I hope this is an accurate representation of your passion for the hobby. What a fantastic layout!
I loved the article on your layout in Model Railroader!! I've been subbed on your channel for over 2 years so it was nice they finally got you in!! When I was hauling auto parts down to Laredo my favorite spots to see UP and BNSF was Corsicana, Laredo at the PILOT truck stop and San Antonio!! Laredo has a stub end yard which is pretty cool to see on Google Earth and in person!!
Per, this is indeed my favorite layout that I've seen anywhere. Your layout is extraordinary! My father was in the railroad business for years as a manufacturing inspector, and I was blessed enough to have 2 different HO train sets given to me by 'Santa' while growing up, and I eventually created a small 4' x 8' oval layout with plenty of the more realistic older Plasticville buildings (car dealership, bank, gas station), a 7-Eleven store, and the classic KFC store - along with Life-Like lighting and billboards. I would then use some of my toy girder/panel sets to make office buildings that were 4-6 stories high. And even though my Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars were a little out of scale, they were realistic enough for me. After age 14, I had to give the hobby up for education and 'growing up'. But I missed the hobby greatly over the years - particularly after my father passed. I began seeing your videos a few years ago, and I was so fascinated with the detail of the layout, along with the appeal of the more modern buildings. I've always liked a more modern look as well and, like you, was always puzzled as to why there were not more modern buildings available in the late 1990's-early 2000's. I told myself 'One day.... I want to get back into that...' This past Christmas, I purchased a started HO scale train for my youngest nephew (he LOVES trains!)... and after I sent it, I thought - 'you're 56 now... why not build a small layout of your own?' I don't have much space in my home, but I took a 4 x 9 sheet of styrofoam, affixed a grass mat to it, and bought a basic Bachmann HO Scale train set with 3 turnouts. In addition, I used some construction paper for some basic asphalt roads, and I procured many different houses from Walthers, along with some of the classic commercial buildings from Atlas and the older original cuts of Plasticville from eBay. Finally, I already had a huge collection of classic miniature cars from Auto World (again, a little out of scale, but close enough), and I created a look of a small town centered around the mid 1970's. My next building will be a Summit classic Denny's or Taco Bell! Over just a few weeks, I put together a nice small layout that is great therapy to turn on and play with after work. It is intended to be relatively portable, for I won't live in my current house for long. My layout isn't anything near as articulately detailed as yours (it needs far more detailing), but in time it will get better. When I get to a larger home, I will definitely make a dedicated space for it. So sincerely - great thanks for the awesome products, the entertaining videos, and the inspiration and encouragement to get a layout started for myself once again.
Eric, What a great story, I am so happy to be an inspiration to you. You never get too old to start (or Re-start) in this hobby which is so relaxing when you go into your own mini-world. Mt layout story is in Great Model Railroads 2022 covering 10 pages.
I absolutely LOVE this layout. I've watched every video from start to finish and each time I'm mesmerized at just how real this layout looks! You'd think you were actually in the real towns! Where do you get the building kits for all the corporate names? I've found DQ, Taco Bell, and KFC on Walthers, but everything else seen on your layout that I wouldn't mind having on mine I cannot find! The thing I am looking for the most is a Casey's General Store for my layout. For those who don't know, Casey's is a gas station and convenience store known for their pizza that is made onsite from scratch. There are hundreds of locations throughout the Midwest and Plains States. I've emailed Walthers and hoping to hear back.
The crossing signals with gates are Tomar Industries H-863. They come as a kit with 2 signals, all the under-layout hardware and Tortoise switch motor. You will need a controller (Logic Rail Technologies Grade Crossing Pro) and a bell sound circuit with speaker.
Hello I was wondering if anyone could help me out with speed matching 3 of my locomotives what are good cv values to speed match at A genesis sd70ace and inter mountain es44ac and tier 4 gevo if anyone could help out it would be greatly appreciated and awesome videos by the way! Keep up the good work
