Layout Update 4/30/20: NEW Scenery, Signals, & Night Time Lighting 

That Top Hat DASH-9 looks right at home on the layout! -Drayton

I wouldn't take the signals out at 8:20. Leaving them there shows the progress that the layout has gone through and it makes for a nice scenery piece.

The Oregon Rail Signals being dim under lighting conditions actually simulates a real world condition many railroaders go through on a daily basis. I work for a short line and previously worked for a regional railroad that had a mix of old searchlight signals, US&S types like the signals you replaced, and some ancient US&S G-Style Signals. All of them are extremely hard to see in broad daylight until you are right on top of them. Although the older signals are neat, I am always thankful when working in territory with more modern replacements as I can see their aspects from miles away.

Without sounding weird I frickin love this channel man. The calm voice overs, the AMAZING skill and realism makes me wanna sell all my O Gauge and get into HO. Holy frick man, honestly love the videos and I am so glad I subbed a few months back. God bless brother. Wish I could see this layout in person some day. Oh well, keep the videos coming!

Wow just when I thought your layout couldn't get any better you guys raise the standard again! Love all the details coming in, and the lighting in the structures, signals and locomotives is stunning!

Josh, it's incredible how far you and your father have pushed this layout. I've loved watching it grow over the years! It's amazing and I always am in awe at how much more realistic you make it with each update!

In my mind this layout is priceless, I just don’t have the hand to do these small things. Want to start getting into weathering

I'm not a model railroader by any means. I do however, enjoy looking at layouts and watching videos. I have to say that your work is nothing short of impressive. Very, very detailed. I admire the Father/Son team. Enjoy it, I see how passionate you guys are. If I ever were to try railroading, I'd absolutely use this layout as inspiration.

My dad and I started a brand new layout the other day for the first time in years. Im very excited to get out all my locos and cars ive accumulated over the past 10 years. We are basing our layout similar to souther ohio, but we do N scale. We like to watch your videos at night. Stay safe.

Hi Josh, Mike from the UK. My layout is just like yours now apart from scenery, signals, buildings, backdrop, details, ballast and weathering!! Stunning in every way

The night time details on everything is awesome

Your channel is helping me immensely with ideas for the “what’s next” for my own NS/CSX N scale modeled around the Roanoke area. Great inspiration and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s to come!

What outstanding details. That's a lot of work on this project. That bring the realness train out even more. Excellent job.

Thanks for continuing to offer great modeling and ideas, scenery and operations. I have followed your progress for years now. Just a note that you are absolutely right that your videos and modeling is great medicine and a way to distract from all the stuff going on in the world today. The last three videos I watched this afternoon, lifted my spirits to the point that I didn't have to go to the ER for depression and anxiety. Thanks for all you do! Jon

You guys got me back into it. First new engine arrived today. The memory’s are flooding back. Thank you.

Fantastic scratchbuilding on the rotary dumper building and the ocer road track wood chip conveyer. I also agree on adding the back drop to the peninsula, that will tie everything together. Nice new locos as well, those top hats look fantastic.

I never cease to be amazed at the quality of work you and your father do and your style and delivery in the videos is fantastic. It is also a refreshing pause from everything going on to take a short escape into the world you have created. God bless and be safe!

Great update Josh! There is so much you've added I couldn't even choose a favorite. Keep up the good work. Stay safe out there.

The amount of progress over the last five years is astounding. I ran a 33'x8' fine scale layout for years so know how much time you have put in. Thanks for the update.

I have watched many videos about train layouts, and I've made a decision to follow yours now. Reason being I have a desire to build a layout in my loft. The loft, along with the cabin it is part of, still have another year to completion. I'm going on 76 in April, so no guarantees. I love hearing that you and your dad share this hobby together.

ANYTHING Norfolk Southern I'm all in. And def appreciate the detail of the engines ALOT!!! Great job u guys!

As a former NS conductor, I worked Dearborn division Toledo East/yard, wow that thing looks good. I do not miss my time working on the railroad,but I do miss working around the guys. Somehow I came across your channel, amazing detail and craftsmanship!

I love your layout, I have Ho scale and I have NS 4003.

I love your layout. You and your dad are first rate modelers. Thanks for sharing.

Great video Josh! It's incredible to see how far the layout has come!

You've definitely *got* to do a tutorial on how to make that scratchbuilt road crossing signal, bummer that virtually no manufacturers make ones like those

Been watching your videos for years now, and it blows my mind how you have continued to make this layout better every single video, and I admire the father/son support on working on it as that’s always what I wanted It would have meant the world to me, keep the videos coming!

Josh, your videos have been so needed, during these times! Thank you.

Those pipe loads came out AMAZING looking!!! Hats off to you and your Dad. Can't wait to see the next update and looking forward to seeing the new backdrop!!

Thank you Josh for the Layout update. You and Your Family Stay safe and Healthy.

Really like your Dad's pipe loads. Inspired me to make up some for my layout. Your videos are very good and helpful. That fact that I mode Southern Railway and NS doesn't hurt. Stay safe and God bless.

Some headlights on the cars would look good in the night time

The layout just keeps getting better and better!

Awesome as usual. The night time lighting is great. I agree with the viewer who said leave the old signals which have been replaced. It makes a great scene. I'm not working at the moment due to COVID 19 so I absolutely welcome the great videos like yours. Thanks

Your layout and modeling is truly superb. You and your father are really gifted. I always look forward to your videos. Everything is just so well done. Jim

Im an armchair modler and I figure I'll never be able to do anything close to this. I'd rather find a club and learn to operate. I don't know anything but I did build 2 Conrail locos from scratch like 25yrs ago, but never ran them since I don't have a layout. I wish I could visit your place. It's just totally amazing! May the Lord bless your talents. 👍

Alot of these scenes look so incredibly good!!! The modelling and weathering standard on this layout is amazing!

Thanks for the well wishes at the end of your video. I know it is tough for so many people. It is indeed a joy to see all that you guys have done over the years. I always look forward to your updates. God bless you and your dad.

Glad this showed up in my feed (as have several other videos from the layout)... I miss the days when I had time and space to build, so this IS a nice break (even though published last year). Love the planning for the different scenes, the detailing and especially the lighting. I've no doubt the DW signal heads (good call on leaving the old Oregon Rail signals in place, just as the other comments showed) and grade crossing lights were a tedious pain but they really do look great (signals and traffic lights used to be a pain to try to scale down if one wanted them to be operational). The backdrops really make these scenes work, as well, for the photography perspective is always something I look at and these look great. Kudos to both of you (and any others that might be involved) for creating a layout I would have always looked forward to reading about and seeing in Model Railroader or RMC.

Some people sitting at the BBQ joint, and you are set. Again, just a beautiful layout. Pick your superlatives. I do like the areas with subdued lighting. You can't scale water, but you can scale light.

With all of my trains packed up and ready to move from Illinois to our new home in Colorado, I really enjoy your videos. It has given me some inspiration for my new layout. I plan to build a 24 by 40 foot pole barn to house the layout. Keep up the great work and I look forward to your next update.

Your father and you have done some truly amazing work, it is so realistic with a wonderful eye for everyday detail which helps bring it to life. Always look forward to seeing updates. Could you please maybe post some operating session runs etc. With everybody stuck at home, they would be a great way to spend some time. 😁

Real life rotary dumper must be one hellva a piece of engineering. Rotating a whole loaded rail car, some serious machinery.

What a super nice layout! I Love the detail on your loco's especially that Southern Pacific! Bravo!

Very impressive. I especially like the subtle weathering of the locos.

Awesome work, you folks inspire me. I had to laugh at the car sitting at the crossing on the peninsula as its waiting at the scratch built signal crossing for a train that obviously isn't coming anytime soon :)

Your videos are always a pleasure to watch. Love the structure for the rotary dumper, such awesome detail and lighting. You and your Dad make a great team and the layout shows it. Thanks for sharing, stay safe and looking forward to the next video. 👍👍👍😎😎😎 Cary

Such an impressive layout. You are also a great presenter as you held my interest to the very end. Cheers. James.

It is a good escape. Totally enjoy viewing your efforts!!!

Wonderful Video

I am in awe every time you post a new vid!!! It is Insane what you do😳

Hello, that was a great update. Thanks for sharing. And you are right. I escape into MRR tutorials, running sessions and live chats all day. It is keeping me reasonably sane. Lol. See ya next time.

Great progress! Really nice to see. Pleasing to look at. Love the Weathering on the UP and SP! I love Signals but in N Scale it’s a big challenge for me. Really enjoyed this!

Weathering on your locos look great. Not enough guys do that and that will make or break a layout in my opinion. Like to see the tracks rusty.. I love your layout. Would love to see the sides of the tracks rusty. And your coal load/unload areas needs coal dust all over. I often work at a coal fired power plant and there is coal dust for a half mile down the tracks.. the beams around the conveyor and the dumper amd all that would have coal dust everywhere. Just my opinion.. but I do love your layout. Looks great. Love the detail.. really the details are everything for me.. great job!

Absolutely beautiful work. Very impressive. Thanks for the tour . Love how your forests look on your layout ! Fantastic industries as well .

Outstanding layout. Excellent model work by both you and your dad.

Amazing layout. That signal work is crazy. Mind blown 🤯

Your signals are very good. Wish there were more signals available in N scale.

Incredible detail! I feel sorry for that car waiting patiently at the rail crossing. He was still there after dark... ;-)

Great video Josh! Your layout always amazes me. You and your dad and so many others have done a such a beyond fantastic job!

It was a pleasure meeting you and your father back at Amherst. I got to tell you your father does an awesome job. Keep up the great work. Maybe some slow blinking red lights on the smoke stack and container tanks.

Excellent video Josh. I've just recently found your channel after beginning a transition from O scale to HO. Your layout is truly the pinnacle of a modern representation of railroading. The attention to detail is nothing short of excellence. Great work and I look forward to seeing more from this channel! -Max

Just incredible , you and your father always take it to the next level, from the HO world thanks.

Top notch layout. 👍 Always enjoy seeing the improvements Josh, take care. 😎👍👍👍🛤🚂

I am truly empress with this layout. ENJOY ! 👽

In you case with the dumper it is so well lighted, I would enclose that open wall and install a micro camera looking out of the control room are and have it feed into a monitor that that operator monitors during operation. Much like a closed circuit video camera (CCVC) system.

Very nice! I also model NS! Not as big as yours but you’ve given me many ideas. Had ordered the Trackside Scenery backdrops just as you posted a video on how you mounted them. I have hem completely around my layout and have blended trees in front to make a neat scene. I like your signals and crossings. I have Tomar crossing gates and lights that work great, but I can’t get any more of them. I wish I had your patience for weathering, but, alas, I’m too impatient! Good work, again!

Love your layout Josh. Those pipeloads are incredible.The signals,night lighting, details everywhere make this one of the greatest layouts I have yet seen.Great video, and excellent modelling, you, and your dad!

Great video as always, Josh! The layout is really coming along. I remember back when it was just cork and plywood. Perhaps you should keep the old signals at Biltmore and make a signal replacement scene. It would look really nice and show how you have progressed on the layout. - Drew

Always a pleasure to see your layout. Great work.

I really enjoy watching your layout! I really would like to see just a long video of “railfanning”. No music, no sound overlay, just trains!

Mate this is sooooo good! Crazy (in a good way) how you pay attention to detail, love it!

Glad to have found the channel! Thanks for the amazing content, quite inspiring as I start the planning process for my N Scale CSX line. Sure this has been a labor of love... Pretty cool you've been able to do it with your dad. Keep up the great work!

Love your videos they are always so well filmed and never dull it always amazes me at the level of detail you guys go to thank you and keep up the great work.

Fantastic layout update..Very nice attention to detail. Thanks again and stay safe

You must have plenty of time to work on this during lockdown. You’re lucky to have this entertainment

For the duration of your "signal project" you might want to look into running with form b clearance during ops sessions. I'm not sure what they are called on NS, but I know that on UP anytime there's men and equipment working on or near the right of way (like during signal projects) form bs are issued to train crews and they can't enter or travel through the limits of a form b without authorization from the employee in charge of said form b. Also, damn good looking dash board. I can tell you from personal experience, those units accumulate an ungodly amount of old track bulletins, opened and unopened crew packs, fast food bags/wrappers, and yes, I have even found a half eaten tuna fish sandwich once. That was a fun "job briefing" with the inbound crew we relieved.

Yes! As always this is INSANE! Keep going man!!

Truly impressive work y'all. The attention to detail is incredible. I was also thrilled when ScaleTrains announced the C40-9's, I'm not an NS modeler, but I had to have some of these. They are beautiful, I love the spartan cabs riding over the big bolsterless GE trucks, such an iconic 1990's GE from my childhood.

Super. You have a fantastic layout. You have come a long way.

Like always, Outstanding scenery work and lighting. Bob

Update looks GREAT! Amazing scenery and work done. The BBQ restaurant, maybe add a outdoor “smoker on a little trailer” with a smoke unit inside it for a little touch of realism. I’ve seen countless barbecues restaurants across the south with those and I think it would add a nice touch! Just a suggestion NSModeler24!! Great work! I would love to see it in person one day!

Keep up the good work josh. Hopefully youll have some time to come back to chicago when everything is done and over with.

Great video sir, you and your pops have been really busy I see on this layout and I must say, you all have really knocked it out of park. My hats off to you two. Enjoyed the video. Take it easy.

Thanks for the update, it's always great to see the progress made on your amazing layout.

You’re right I need a distraction and thank you for the beautiful video I love this train modeling.

Damn you have one Bad Ass layout. Love all the great detail you have put into everything on the layout right up to the cup on the dash of your engine. 👍👍👍

the signals are fantastic, the night lighting really makes a nice effect, well done and those backdrops are excellent. I love those pipe loads and the flat cars are very well done too, the scene over the trestle really is dramatic. the weathering on that UP and SP units are some of the best ive seen. Top shelf effort. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Rob

One of my favorite layouts. Great job gentlemen. When can I come visit?

This is 1 of the best layouts I've seen! You have an eye for detail!

Absolutely stunning layout.

Those signals look really great , your both doing an awesome job on the layout with all the tiny details . Thanks for the update and take care .

I've noticed the tendency to include a few Porsches along the way. Thumbs up!

Awesome work Josh and Dad!

Sure looks great. Love your lighting.

Dude every time it gets better and better! I can’t wait to see what the next update will look like! Keep it up man!

That is extremely realistic! Those signals look great in the dark, and the light reflects off the tops of the rails! You wanting someone to make the C40-9 top hat locomotives is like how I want someone to make some of the CSX 3 bay covered hoppers that nobody makes, and some NSC 53' 3 unit connected well cars. I have been thinking I may have to custom build some of those if someone doesn't make them soon!

Wow u did a wonderful job on your layout and I love what u did with all the cars and locomotives

I rebuilt the braking system on that Southern Pacific AC4400 in 1995. Wabco recall .

I always enjoy seeing your layout, incredible work.